The
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The team plays its ...
season
A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's axial tilt, tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperat ...
was the franchise's 76th season in the
National Football League
The National Football League (NFL) is a Professional gridiron football, professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National ...
(NFL), and the tenth under
head coach
A head coach, senior coach, or manager is a professional responsible for training and developing athletes within a sports team. This role often has a higher public profile and salary than other coaching positions. In some sports, such as associat ...
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
. The Eagles improved upon their 8–8 record and a fourth-place finish in the
NFC East
The National Football Conference – Eastern Division or NFC East is one of the four Division (sport), divisions of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). It has four members: the Dallas Cowboys, New Yo ...
in the
2007 season by going 9–6–1 and earning the 6th seed in the NFC Playoffs. The Eagles defeated the
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis. The Vikings compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. Founded in 1960 as ...
26–14 in the wild-card round. Philadelphia then upset the top-seeded
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The ...
, 23–11 in the divisional round to advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the
2004 season. However, the Eagles' season would end in Arizona with a 32–25 loss to the
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC West, West division. The ...
.
Despite their low-seeding in the NFC playoffs,
Football Outsiders
Football Outsiders (FO) was a website started in July 2003 which focused on advanced statistical analysis of the National Football League (NFL). The site was run by a staff of regular writers, who produced a series of weekly columns using both t ...
calculated that the 2008 Eagles were the best team in the league, play-for-play.
The 2008 Eagles were featured in the film adaptation of ''
Silver Linings Playbook
''Silver Linings Playbook'' is a 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by David O. Russell. The film is based on Matthew Quick's 2008 novel '' The Silver Linings Playbook''. It stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawre ...
'', although the novel focuses on the 2006 team.
Offseason
Though the Eagles finished the
2007 season strong, winning their final three games, they finished 8–8 and in last place in a tough division. In the off-season, the Eagles made noise by signing star cornerback
Asante Samuel
Asante Tyrell Samuel Sr. (born January 6, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He played colle ...
from the
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. The Patriots compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East division. The Pa ...
on February 29, 2008, the first day that he became available. Samuel, signed to a six-year, $57 million contract, was considered the top player available in free agency, and was Philadelphia's biggest signing since
Terrell Owens
Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
in
2004
2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and Its Abolition (by UNESCO).
Events January
* January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 60 ...
. The Eagles also signed defensive end
Chris Clemons, and gave him a sizable signing bonus, but he struggled with injuries in the preseason, and barely made the team. Oft-injured defensive lineman
Jevon Kearse
Jevon Kearse (born September 3, 1976), nicknamed "the Freak", is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end for eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL) during the late 1990s and 2000s. Kearse played col ...
returned to the
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. They play the ...
and
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Gerard Spikes (; born December 17, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Auburn Tigers football, Auburn Tiger ...
was released, with a young corps of linebackers ready to replace him. Tight end
L.J. Smith
John Smith III (born May 13, 1980), commonly known as L. J., which stands for "Little John", is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutger ...
, who has battled injury, was given a franchise tag to keep him in Philadelphia.
In the draft, the Eagles traded down again, lining themselves up with two first-round picks in 2009. Training camp and the preseason were mixed with good news and bad news. On the negative side, All-Pro guard
Shawn Andrews had a late-start to the preseason because of a personal battle with depression. Cornerback
Lito Sheppard
Lito Decorian Sheppard (born April 8, 1981) is an American football coach and former player. During his playing career as cornerback, he played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in ...
now looked like a third wheel in the secondary behind Samuel and
Sheldon Brown, and vented his frustration. A contract dispute with star running back
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
also looked to be another distraction until the team signed him to a three-year, $21 million extension. Philadelphia's biggest issue was the weak receiving corps. In the spring, the team was unsuccessful in acquiring a big name receiver, and the situation was exacerbated when number one receiver
Kevin Curtis
Kevin Devon Curtis (born July 17, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah State Aggies and was selected by the St. Louis R ...
went down with a sports hernia in the preseason, while number two receiver
Reggie Brown nursed a sore hamstring. No moves were made to fix the problem, and many experts considered the Eagles too weak at the position to go deep into the playoffs. However, 5'10 second round draft pick
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
had a great preseason, and was named as a Week 1 starter for the Eagles at receiver. Quarterback
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
also had a strong preseason, and finally looked fully recovered from his
2006
2006 was designated as the International Year of Deserts and Desertification.
Events
January
* January 1– 4 – Russia temporarily cuts shipment of natural gas to Ukraine during a price dispute.
* January 12 – A stampede during t ...
knee surgery. The rebuilt special teams unit impressed in the preseason, with draft picks Jackson and
Quintin Demps
Quintin Lamon Demps (born June 29, 1985) is an American college football coach and former safety. He is the head football coach for Judson University, a position he has held since 2023. He played college football at Texas-El Paso, and was select ...
returning a punt and a kick respectively for touchdowns in an exhibition win over the Patriots.
The offense went into the season with Westbrook in his prime and a seemingly rejuvenated McNabb, but the receiving corps looked feeble, and the offensive line looked uncertain, with the aging tackles
Jon Runyan
Jon Daniel Runyan (born November 27, 1973) is an American athlete and politician who was the U.S. representative for from 2011 to 2015. He is a member of the Republican Party. Before entering politics, he played football for 14 seasons as an ...
and
Tra Thomas
William "Tra" Thomas III (born November 20, 1974) is an American football coach and former player who is the offensive line coach for IMG Academy. He played as an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL), primarily for the Philad ...
anchoring the unit, and Shawn Andrews not playing until the middle of the preseason. The defense featured the deepest secondary in the
NFL
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The N ...
with Samuel, Brown, Sheppard, and veteran safety
Brian Dawkins
Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973), nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played ...
. The linebacking corps looked young and quick, and
Trent Cole
Trent James Cole Jr. (born October 5, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end and linebacker for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Cole played col ...
was the clear star on the defensive line. Possibly the most key improvement in the team over 2007 lies in the special teams, which was a consistent weakness the previous season.
Notable roster additions
* CB
Asante Samuel
Asante Tyrell Samuel Sr. (born January 6, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He played colle ...
- Signed as a free agent from the
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. The Patriots compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East division. The Pa ...
.
* DE
Chris Clemons- Signed as a free agent from the
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders were a professional American football team based in Oakland, California, from its founding in 1960 to 1981, and again from 1995 to 2019 before Oakland Raiders relocation to Las Vegas, relocating to the Las Vegas metropolitan ...
.
* DT/FB
Dan Klecko – Signed as a free agent from the
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. The Colts compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. Since the 2008 India ...
.
* TE
L.J. Smith
John Smith III (born May 13, 1980), commonly known as L. J., which stands for "Little John", is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutger ...
– Signed his
franchise tag
In the National Football League (NFL), the franchise tag is a designation a team may apply to a player scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The tag binds the player to the team for one year if certain conditions are met. Each team has on ...
tender.
* FB
Luke Lawton
Richard Luke Lawton (born August 26, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college fo ...
- Traded from the Indianapolis Colts for a 2009 conditional draft pick.
Notable roster losses
* LB
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Gerard Spikes (; born December 17, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Auburn Tigers football, Auburn Tiger ...
– Signed with 49ers During Free Agency
* CB
William James
William James (January 11, 1842 – August 26, 1910) was an American philosopher and psychologist. The first educator to offer a psychology course in the United States, he is considered to be one of the leading thinkers of the late 19th c ...
- Signed with Bills During Free Agency
* DE
Jevon Kearse
Jevon Kearse (born September 3, 1976), nicknamed "the Freak", is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end for eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL) during the late 1990s and 2000s. Kearse played col ...
– Signed with Titans During Free Agency
* FB
Thomas Tapeh – Signed with Vikings During Free Agency
Philadelphia Eagles Draft
Staff
Roster
Schedule
Preseason
Regular season
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Postseason
Standings
Regular season
Week 1: vs. St. Louis Rams
The Eagles raced out of the gates to dismantle the
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams were a professional American football team of the National Football League (NFL). They played in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1995 through the 2015 season, before moving back to Los Angeles, California, where the team had played ...
38–3, their largest opening week margin-of-victory ever. Rookie
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
pulled down a 47-yard reception on the second play, and the drive finished with a shovel pass touchdown to
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
.
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
marched the Eagles down the field again on their second possession, finding
L.J. Smith
John Smith III (born May 13, 1980), commonly known as L. J., which stands for "Little John", is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutger ...
in the back of the end zone to make it 14–0. Late in the second quarter, receiver
Hank Baskett
Henry Randall Baskett III (born September 4, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts.
A native o ...
beat the coverage and scored on a 90-yard reception (which was also McNabb's second longest career TD pass). Fullback
Tony Hunt scored from a yard out in the third quarter. DeSean Jackson's 60-yard punt return set up a short field goal for
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
, and Philadelphia's lead grew to 31–0. Westbrook added a 6-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter before St. Louis kicked a field goal to avoid the shutout. McNabb threw for 361 yards and three scores. Jackson,
Greg Lewis, and Baskett each had over 100 yards receiving. Westbrook ran for 91 yards and two touchdowns
With the win, the Eagles began their season at 1–0.
Week 2: at Dallas Cowboys
The Eagles went toe-to-toe with their hated rivals, the
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. T ...
, on MNF in the teams' final meeting at
Texas Stadium
Texas Stadium was an American football stadium located in Irving, Texas, a suburb west of Dallas. Opened on October 24, 1971, it was known for its distinctive hole in the roof, the result of abandoned plans to construct a retractable roof.
Th ...
. The game would be high-scoring – filled with exciting plays and seven lead changes. On their opening drive, Philadelphia scored first with kicker
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
nailing a 34-yard field goal. The Cowboys struck right back with
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the Eastern Illinois Pan ...
completing a 72-yard touchdown pass to
Terrell Owens
Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
, who badly beat the Eagles' secondary.
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
drove the Eagles' into Dallas territory again, but again settled for a field goal. Dallas immediately answered when rookie
Felix Jones
Felix Jones Jr. (born May 8, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football for the Arkansas Razo ...
returned the kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and a 14–6 Cowboy advantage.
Asante Samuel
Asante Tyrell Samuel Sr. (born January 6, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He played colle ...
intercepted Romo on Dallas' next drive, leading to a 6-yard touchdown reception by
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
early in the second quarter. Romo fumbled in his own end zone on the first play of the ensuing drive and linebacker
Chris Gocong
Christopher Andrew Gocong (born November 16, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Eagles in ...
recovered for the touchdown and a 20–14 Eagle lead. However, the Cowboys would respond with Romo and Owens hooking up with each other again on a 4-yard TD pass. The Eagles took over and McNabb connected with rookie
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
on a 60-yard play, but his premature celebration cost him what would have been his first career touchdown (as well as a pass-for-touchdown by McNabb). Nevertheless, Westbrook scored on the resulting 1st and goal from the 1-yard line, diving over the pile to put Philadelphia back on top. Akers nailed a 22-yard field goal and Philadelphia had its biggest lead of the night, 30–21. Dallas would end the explosive half with kicker
Nick Folk
Nicholas Alexander Folk (born November 5, 1984) is an American professional American football, football placekicker. He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats football, Arizona Wildcats, where he received first-team 2006 All-Pacific-10 ...
making a 51-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Cowboys went ahead again as Romo completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to running back
Marion Barber. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles would once again retake the lead, at 37–31, with Westbrook's 1-yard touchdown run. Nick Folk's 47-yard field goal made it 37–34 Philadelphia. The critical turnover occurred when McNabb botched a handoff to Westbrook at the Cowboy 33-yard line that Dallas recovered. Romo led his team down the field and Barber rushed it in to the right side, giving Dallas the winning margin at 41–37. Needing a touchdown, Philadelphia had two more possessions, but failed to score. McNabb threw for 281 yards and a score, while Romo had 312 passing yards and three touchdowns. Westbrook found the end zone three times while gaining 103 all-purpose yards. DeSean Jackson again had over 100 receiving yards. The game featured the second most first half points in MNF history (54) and most combined points in the rivalry's history (78). With the loss, the Eagles fell to 1–1.
Week 3: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
After a turnover, the Steelers scored the first points on a
Jeff Reed 37-yard field goal.
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
left the game with an ankle injury early in the second quarter, but
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter (; born October 6, 1978) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a running back for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Nebraska Cor ...
finished the drive with a 20-yard touchdown catch. The touchdown was the 176th for
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
, surpassing
Ron Jaworski
Ronald Vincent Jaworski (born March 23, 1951), nicknamed "Jaws", is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. He played college football for the Youngstown State Pengui ...
on the franchise list. The Philadelphia defense began to take over at this point, sacking Roethlisberger six times in the quarter. A fumble recovery by
Brodrick Bunkley
Brodrick Bunkley (born November 23, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a nose tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft. He pl ...
after a sack led to a
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
field goal. Pittsburgh would end the half with Reed kicking a 53-yard field goal to make it 10–6. Without Westbrook, the Eagles' offense struggled to score, but the defense continued to shut down the Steelers. An intentional grounding penalty on Roethlisberger from his own end zone resulted in a safety. A diving sack and fumble recovery by
Brian Dawkins
Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973), nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played ...
led to a field goal and sealed the win, giving the Eagles a 15–6 lead. The defense sacked Roethlisberger and
Byron Leftwich
Byron Antron Leftwich (born January 14, 1980) is an American former professional football quarterback and coach who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons. He is currently an assistant coach at Colorado. He played college fo ...
nine times, forced two fumbles, and intercepted a pass. Punter
Sav Rocca
Saverio Giovanni Rocca (born 20 November 1973) is an Australian former professional sportsman. He played Australian rules football for Collingwood and the Kangaroos in the Australian Football League (AFL), and then switched to playing America ...
also contributed to the second-half shutout with his punts. The Eagles improved to 2–1 with the win.
Week 4: at Chicago Bears

Without
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
, but coming off their dominant defensive performance over the Steelers, the Eagles flew to
Soldier Field
Soldier Field is a multi-purpose stadium on the Near South Side, Chicago, Near South Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1924 and reconstructed in 2003, the stadium has served as the home of the Chicago Bears from the National ...
for a Week 4 Sunday night duel with the
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. They are one of two remaining ...
.
The Bears started quickly, forcing a three-and-out, then scoring on three passing plays.
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
was responsible for gaining 66 of the 74 yards traveled on the next drive, including a 22-yard touchdown reception from
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
to tie the score.
Kyle Orton
Kyle Raymond Orton (born November 14, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback. He played college football for Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the f ...
passed to
Marty Booker
Marty Montez Booker (born July 31, 1976) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks ...
for a 23-yard touchdown to make it 14–7 Chicago in the second quarter, but the Eagles came right back with a quick drive ending in
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter (; born October 6, 1978) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a running back for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Nebraska Cor ...
scoring from a yard out. After a missed 50-yard field goal by
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
, the Bears used the short field to set up a 20-yard touchdown pass to
Devin Hester
Devin Devorris Hester Sr. (born November 4, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). The only primary return specialist to be enshrined in the ...
.
Akers missed another field goal in the third quarter before making two short kicks that came after Kyle Orton fumbled.
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul Gould III ( ; born December 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker for 18 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Chicago Bears, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers. He p ...
booted a 41-yard kick to make it 24–20 Bears in the fourth quarter.
McNabb then took the Eagles down the field, and with 5:40 left to play, Philadelphia had 1st-and-goal from the 4-yard line. Buckhalter got to the 1-yard line on first down, but he and
Tony Hunt failed to score on second and third down.
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
went for it on fourth down and Buckhalter was stuffed for no gain. The Bears killed most of the clock on their next drive and the Eagles fell 24–20. McNabb threw for 262 yards.
Reggie Brown had 6 catches for 79 yards. The loss made the Eagles 2–2.
Week 5: vs. Washington Redskins
The Eagles dropped a divisional matchup to a
Washington Redskins
The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East ...
team that was coming off an upset win over the
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. T ...
. Philadelphia enjoyed a fast start, with
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
marching the Eagles on a 12-play opening drive, ending with a 9-yard touchdown by
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
. After a Washington three-and-out,
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
reversed the field and
returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown to give Philadelphia a 14–0 advantage. After a 50-yard field goal miss by
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
on Philadelphia's next drive, the Redskins began their comeback. They chipped away at the lead with three second-quarter field goals by
Shaun Suisham. In the third quarter, Washington took the lead on a trick play, with receiver
Antwaan Randle El
Antwaan Randle El (; born August 17, 1979) is an American professional American football, football coach and former player who currently serves as the wide receivers coach and assistant head coach for the Chicago Bears of the National Football L ...
completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end
Chris Cooley.
Clinton Portis
Clinton Earl Portis (born September 1, 1981) is an American college football coach at Delaware State University and former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He played col ...
scored on a 4-yard run for Washington, making it 23–14. Midway through the final quarter, the Eagles had 2nd and 1 from the Washington 2-yard line, but were forced to settle for a field goal. A successful fourth down conversion by Portis ended the game. The Philadelphia running defense gave up 203 yards, 144 of them to Portis. Westbrook learned after the game that he had broken his ribs during the first quarter. With the loss, Philadelphia fell to 2–3 in the
NFC East
The National Football Conference – Eastern Division or NFC East is one of the four Division (sport), divisions of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). It has four members: the Dallas Cowboys, New Yo ...
.
Week 6: at San Francisco 49ers

Playing without several offensive starters, the Eagles pulled out a 40–26 win with a gutsy fourth quarter comeback against the
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers (also written as the San Francisco Forty-Niners and nicknamed the Niners) are a professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 49ers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member ...
. Following a 49ers field goal, the Eagles capitalized on a big kickoff return by
Quintin Demps
Quintin Lamon Demps (born June 29, 1985) is an American college football coach and former safety. He is the head football coach for Judson University, a position he has held since 2023. He played college football at Texas-El Paso, and was select ...
to eventually score on a
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter (; born October 6, 1978) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a running back for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Nebraska Cor ...
1-yard run. San Francisco kicked another field goal to close to 7–6, but
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
connected with
Hank Baskett
Henry Randall Baskett III (born September 4, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts.
A native o ...
on a 2-yard fade pass for a touchdown early in the second quarter. A
chip shot field goal by
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
gave Philadelphia a 17–6 lead, but 49ers kicker
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney (born March 22, 1973) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Mi ...
made a 53-yarder on the next drive to make it 17–9. Just before halftime, Akers attempted a long 54-yard attempt, but the kick was blocked and returned for a touchdown by San Francisco. On their first drive of the third quarter, the 49ers drove down the field and took the lead 23–17 on a 6-yard run by
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore Sr. (born May 14, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). A member of the San Francisco 49ers during most of his career, he ranks third ...
. Nedney added another field goal and it was 26–17 49ers going into the fourth quarter. McNabb led the Eagles on a scoring drive, finding tight end
L.J. Smith
John Smith III (born May 13, 1980), commonly known as L. J., which stands for "Little John", is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutger ...
in the middle of the endzone for the touchdown. The Philadelphia defense began to smother the San Francisco attack, and the Eagles got the ball back and retook the lead on a 38-yard Akers field goal. An interception by safety
Quintin Mikell
Quintin Perry Mikell Jr. (born September 16, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Boise State Broncos, he was sign ...
led to another Philadelphia field goal, making it 30–26. A fumble recovery by defensive lineman
Chris Clemons resulted in another Akers field goal. With Philadelphia up by seven points,
Juqua Parker
Juqua Demail Parker ( ; ; born May 15, 1978) is a former American football defensive end. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He played college football at Oklahoma State Cowboys football, Oklahoma State and ...
intercepted San Francisco's
J. T. O'Sullivan and returned it for a touchdown. McNabb threw for a pair of touchdowns and 279 yards. Buckhalter had a huge game, rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown, and catching seven passes for 89 yards.
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
added 94 receiving yards. With the win, the Eagles entered their bye week at 3–3.
Week 8: vs Atlanta Falcons
The Eagles improved to 10–0 after the bye under
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
with a 27–14 victory over the 4–2
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC South, South division. The Falcons were founded o ...
. The Eagles offense struggled to get into a rhythm through the first quarter and a half, with
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
misfiring on several passes. Atlanta scored first with a 55-yard catch and run from
Matt Ryan to
Roddy White. The Eagles tied the score when McNabb capped off a long drive with a 3-yard quarterback draw for a touchdown. Philadelphia drove down the field and scored on a 36-yard
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
field goal in just 45 seconds before halftime. The Eagles continued to roll on their opening possession of the third quarter, scoring on a 16-yard run by
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
to open up a 17–7 lead. Atlanta drove to the Philadelphia 1-yard line in the third quarter, but
Lito Sheppard
Lito Decorian Sheppard (born April 8, 1981) is an American football coach and former player. During his playing career as cornerback, he played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in ...
intercepted a fade to the end zone. In the fourth quarter, Philadelphia's offense failed to capitalize on yet another goal line situation, and instead settled for a field goal, giving Atlanta hope. The Falcons responded with an impressive drive that ended in a touchdown pass to Roddy White, making it 20–14. The Eagles went three and out and punted, but the officials ruled the punt was muffed by
Adam Jennings
Adam Richard Jennings (born November 17, 1982) is an American former professional American football, football wide receiver. He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL draft. He played college football at Fresno Sta ...
and recovered by the Eagles. Atlanta, out of timeouts, could not challenge the controversial call, and two plays later Westbrook broke a 39-yard touchdown to the left side to put the game away. Westbrook rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns and had 42 receiving yards. McNabb had 253 passing yards and also ran for 25 yards. The win was the 100th of Reid's career and the 500th in the history of the franchise.
With the win, the Eagles improved to 4–3.
Week 9: at Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia shook off a shaky start and cruised to a 26–7 victory over a banged-up
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle. The Seahawks compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC West, West division. The club entered the NFL a ...
team. Seattle scored on their first play from scrimmage on a 90-yard reception by
Koren Robinson
Koren Lynard Robinson (born March 19, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack. He was select ...
, but did not threaten the rest of the game. Robinson beat
Lito Sheppard
Lito Decorian Sheppard (born April 8, 1981) is an American football coach and former player. During his playing career as cornerback, he played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in ...
and
Brian Dawkins
Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973), nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played ...
missed the tackle as the Seahawks jumped out to a 7–0 lead.
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
had another ugly start, firing incompletions on his first seven pass attempts. However, in the second quarter, the Eagles began to move the ball and McNabb found
Reggie Brown for a 22-yard touchdown. On the next drive, with first and goal, the Eagles ran a play-action fake and McNabb threw it to offensive guard
Todd Herremans
Todd Herremans (born October 13, 1982) is a former American football guard (gridiron football), offensive guard who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Herremans was selected in the fourth round (126th overall) of the 2005 NF ...
(who was lined up as a tight end) for a 1-yard touchdown and a 14–7 lead. Philadelphia's next four drives led to
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
field goals as they sailed to a 26–7 win. The Eagles' defense forced Seattle to punt on their final ten possessions and
Darren Howard
Darren M. Howard (born November 19, 1976) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats and was selected by the New Orl ...
had two sacks. McNabb finished with 349 yards passing, two touchdowns, and an interception. Backup tight end
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek (; born January 25, 1985) is an American professional football executive and former tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats and was sel ...
had the game of his life – finishing with six catches and 131 receiving yards.
With their 3rd-straight win, the Eagles improved to 5–3. This also currently remains the Eagles' latest victory over the Seahawks.
Week 10: vs. New York Giants
The Eagles, who had not won on prime time in two years, faced off against the defending Super Bowl champion
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The ...
on a Sunday night game at
Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is an American football stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the home stadium of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) and the Temple Owls football team of Temple University ...
.
Mike Patterson batted up and intercepted
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning family, he is the youngest ...
, returning the ball inside the New York 10-yard line. Two plays later
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
took the direct snap and rushed 9 yards, diving to the pylon for a touchdown less than two minutes into the game. Manning then led the Giants up the field and he found
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans, and was ...
for a 17-yard touchdown. The Eagles fumbled the kickoff, and New York cashed in for a field goal. On New York's next drive, Manning capped off another long drive with a short touchdown pass to
Kevin Boss
Kevin Michael Boss (born January 11, 1984) is an American former professional football tight end. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL draft by the New York Giants out of Western Oregon University. With the Giants, he won Super Bowl ...
to take a 17–7 lead early in the second quarter. A fumble by Giant rusher
Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New York Giants. He played college football for the Auburn Tig ...
gave Philadelphia the ball in New York territory. Six plays later,
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
completed a 10-yard pass to
Jason Avant
Jason Raye Avant (born April 20, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Michigan and was selected by the Philadelphi ...
for an Eagle touchdown.
Sam Madison
Samuel Adolphus Madison Jr. (born April 23, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisville Cardinals, and was selected by the M ...
picked off McNabb deep in Eagle territory on the next drive, but the Giants settled for a field goal to make it 20–14. McNabb ran the two-minute drill before the half to get the Eagles a 29-yard field goal before halftime, narrowing the score to 20–17. After a good kickoff return by rookie
Quintin Demps
Quintin Lamon Demps (born June 29, 1985) is an American college football coach and former safety. He is the head football coach for Judson University, a position he has held since 2023. He played college football at Texas-El Paso, and was select ...
, the Eagles navigated the short field for another touchdown, this one a fade to
Hank Baskett
Henry Randall Baskett III (born September 4, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts.
A native o ...
and a 24–20 Philadelphia lead. The Giants, continuing to have success with their ground game, drove down the field. On a critical 3rd-and-10 from the Eagle 20-yard line, Manning completed a 17-yard pass to Boss, but was flagged for crossing the line of scrimmage. Giants' coach
Tom Coughlin
Thomas Richard Coughlin ( ; born August 31, 1946) is an American former football coach and executive of the National Football League (NFL). He was the head coach for the New York Giants from 2004 to 2015. He led the Giants to victory in Super ...
challenged the call, and it was reversed, giving New York 1st-and-goal. They scored when Jacobs powered forward on a 3-yard run. Another long Giant drive led to a field goal early in the fourth quarter making it 30–24 Giants. The Giants scored again on their next drive, a 3-yard rush by Jacobs.
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
challenged consecutive plays at the end of the drive, but lost both of them, leaving the Eagles with only one timeout, 9:30 left to play, and a 36–24 deficit (after New York missed on the two-point conversion). A 32-yard completion to DeSean Jackson jump-started the offense, and McNabb hit
Kevin Curtis
Kevin Devon Curtis (born July 17, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah State Aggies and was selected by the St. Louis R ...
for a 2-yard touchdown on fourth down to keep Philadelphia alive. The Eagles got the ball back with 3:14 left, but could not convert on a 4th-and-1 near midfield to lose the game 36–31. McNabb had three touchdown passes, but
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
was limited to just 26 yards on 13 carries. Jacobs rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns for the Giants. The Eagles fell to 5–4, 0–3 in their division.
Week 11: at Cincinnati Bengals
The Eagles and
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati. The Bengals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. The team plays its h ...
played to a controversial 13–13 tie.
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
turned the ball over on a sack at the end of the first quarter, leading to a Bengal field goal. A 44-yard catch and run by
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter (; born October 6, 1978) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a running back for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Nebraska Cor ...
set up a 42-yard
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
field goal to tie the score early in the second quarter. McNabb was picked off in Bengal territory with less than two minutes left in the half, and Cincinnati scored four plays later on a 26-yard touchdown reception by
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
Touraj Houshmandzadeh Jr. ( ; born September 26, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers and was selected by ...
. The Bengals added another field goal early in the third quarter to take a 13–3 lead.
Hank Baskett
Henry Randall Baskett III (born September 4, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts.
A native o ...
came up with a 57-yard completion, followed by a 4-yard touchdown reception by
L.J. Smith
John Smith III (born May 13, 1980), commonly known as L. J., which stands for "Little John", is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutger ...
to make it 13–10. In the fourth quarter, Philadelphia tied the game on a field goal after a 13-play drive. The offenses struggled throughout the rest of regulation and the game went to overtime. The Eagles won the toss, but the Bengals had the field position advantage throughout most of overtime. Nevertheless, neither team could score. The Bengals had a chance to win on 47-yard field goal attempt by
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham (born December 9, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies. He made hi ...
, but the kick went wide right and the game ended in a tie. McNabb passed for 338 yards and a touchdown, but had three interceptions (all in Cincinnati territory) and a lost fumble. The defense registered eight sacks. This was the first game in the NFL to end in a tie since the 2002 Falcons-Steelers game.
It was also played 11 years to the day since the Eagles' last tie game. At the post-game press conference, Eagles quarterback
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
infamously admitted he didn't know NFL games could end in a tie.
With the tie, the Eagles fell to 5–4–1, putting them back into last place in the
NFC East
The National Football Conference – Eastern Division or NFC East is one of the four Division (sport), divisions of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). It has four members: the Dallas Cowboys, New Yo ...
.
Week 12: at Baltimore Ravens
The Eagles faced off with the
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore. The Ravens compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. The team plays its home g ...
in an interconference matchup. Both defenses dominated the first quarter, and in the second quarter, Baltimore forced three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble) from
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
. Ravens kicker
Matt Stover
John Matthew Stover (born January 27, 1968) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker for 20 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Baltimore Ravens. After five seasons for the Clevelan ...
booted a 44-yard field goal, while quarterback
Joe Flacco
Joseph Vincent Flacco (born January 16, 1985) is an American professional football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Delaware Fightin' Blue ...
completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end
Daniel Wilcox. However, rookie
Quintin Demps
Quintin Lamon Demps (born June 29, 1985) is an American college football coach and former safety. He is the head football coach for Judson University, a position he has held since 2023. He played college football at Texas-El Paso, and was select ...
returned the following kickoff 100 yards for a Philadelphia touchdown to make it 10–7 Ravens at halftime.
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
decided to bench McNabb (who was 8-for-18 for 59 yards and two interceptions) and put backup quarterback
Kevin Kolb
Kevin Benjamin Kolb ( ; born August 24, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Houston Cougars and was selected by the Philadelphia ...
into the game. Kolb also struggled with the Baltimore defense, and the Eagles fell behind 12–7 when linebacker
Jameel McClain
Jameel Lashawn McClain (born July 25, 1985) is an American former professional football linebacker who is currently the director of player engagement for the Baltimore Ravens. After playing college football for Syracuse University, he was signed ...
blocked
Sav Rocca
Saverio Giovanni Rocca (born 20 November 1973) is an Australian former professional sportsman. He played Australian rules football for Collingwood and the Kangaroos in the Australian Football League (AFL), and then switched to playing America ...
's punt into the back of the endzone for a safety. In the fourth, the Ravens kicked another field goal after a Kolb interception, then
Mark Clayton took a short slant 53 yards for a touchdown to make it 22–7. Kolb drove Philadelphia to the Raven 1-yard line, but was intercepted in the end zone by
Ed Reed
Edward Earl Reed Jr. (born September 11, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL), spending the majority of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He played college footbal ...
, who returned the ball an NFL-record 108 yards for the touchdown.
Le'Ron McClain
Le'Ron De'Mar McClain (born December 27, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and was selected by the Baltimo ...
added a 1-yard touchdown run as Baltimore won 36–7. Kolb was 10-for-23 for 73 yards and two interceptions, and
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
had 39 yards rushing on 14 carries. The Eagles dropped to 5–5–1.
Week 13: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
waited until Monday afternoon to name
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
as his starter for a
Thanksgiving Day matchup with the
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC West, West division. The ...
. On the opening drive, the Eagles marched down the field and scored on 5-yard touchdown pass up the middle to
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
After
Joselio Hanson
Joselio Basilio Hanson (born August 13, 1981) is an American former professional football cornerback. He began his professional career by signing with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He also spent one year of his care ...
intercepted
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene Warner (born June 22, 1971) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals. His career, whi ...
, the Eagles scored again on four runs to Westbrook, the final one being a 1-yard burst up the middle. In the second quarter, the Eagles increased their lead to 21–0 when McNabb hooked up with Westbrook again on a 2-yard touchdown pass. The Cardinals would get on the board with a 1-yard TD pass to
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. (born August 31, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the ...
, but Philadelphia closed out the half with kicker
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
getting a 42-yard field goal. Westbrook scored his fourth touchdown on a 9-yard run in third quarter as Philadelphia made it 31–7. Arizona capitalized on a muffed punt return by
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
with a touchdown pass to
Steve Breaston
Steven William Breaston (born August 20, 1983) is an American former professional football wide receiver. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL draft. ...
(with a failed 2-point conversion). After a Philadelphia field goal, the Cardinals closed to 34–20 when Fitzgerald caught his second touchdown. However, the Eagles pulled away for good with McNabb completing short touchdown passes to DeSean Jackson and
Jason Avant
Jason Raye Avant (born April 20, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Michigan and was selected by the Philadelphi ...
. With the win, Philadelphia improved to 6–5–1 and returned to the playoff hunt. McNabb was 27-for-39 for 260 yards and four touchdowns, and Westbrook gained 110 yards rushing, scored two touchdowns on the ground, and two more in the air. McNabb and Westbrook were both given
NFL Network
NFL Network (occasionally abbreviated on-air as NFLN) is an American sports-oriented pay television network owned by the National Football League NTP and is part of NFL Media, which also includes NFL.com, NFL Films, NFL Mobile, NFL Now and N ...
's 2008
Pudding Pie Award for their efforts.
Week 14: at New York Giants
After the win over Arizona on Thanksgiving, the Eagles dealt the 11–1
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The ...
a 20–14 loss in a rematch against the defending Super Bowl champions. Philadelphia would close out the first quarter with kicker
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
getting a 51-yard field goal, then they blocked an attempt by
John Carney early in the next quarter.
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
broke a 30-yard touchdown run to make it 10–0. Before halftime,
Kevin Dockery
Kevin Dockery (born January 8, 1984) is an American former professional football cornerback. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Mississippi State.
Dockery has also been a membe ...
returned a blocked Akers field goal attempt 71 yards for a New York touchdown. In the scoreless third quarter, the Eagles held the Giants' offense to six plays. Philadelphia scored in the fourth when
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
found Westbrook, who had beaten the coverage of linebacker
Antonio Pierce
Antonio Durran Pierce (born October 26, 1978) is an American professional football coach and former linebacker. He served as the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) in 2023 and 2024.
Pierce played nine seas ...
, for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Westbrook carried the ball 11 times on the next drive, which was capped with Akers making a 34-yard field goal to make it 20–7.
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning family, he is the youngest ...
completed a 1-yard touchdown to tight end
Darcy Johnson for New York to close the scoring. Westbrook had 131 rushing yards on 33 carries and a touchdown, as well as six catches for 72 yards and another touchdown. With the win, Philadelphia improved to 7–5–1. This was also the first time McNabb had beaten the Giants since Philadelphia's
2004 season.
Week 15: vs. Cleveland Browns
Trying to continue their two-game winning streak and keep their playoff hopes alive, the Eagles hosted the
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland. The Browns compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. The team is named after ...
on Monday Night Football. The Eagles scored a touchdown on their opening drive – a 14-yard pass from
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
to
Kevin Curtis
Kevin Devon Curtis (born July 17, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah State Aggies and was selected by the St. Louis R ...
. After trading field goals later in the first quarter, the Eagles took a 17–3 lead when
Asante Samuel
Asante Tyrell Samuel Sr. (born January 6, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He played colle ...
returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown. On the final play of the half, McNabb was intercepted on a fade pass by
Brandon McDonald, who returned the ball all the way to inside the Eagle 5-yard line before being forced out of bounds.
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
converted a 34-yard field goal in the third quarter to make it 20–3 Eagles. Following another Akers field goal, McNabb found
Greg Lewis on a 10-yard touchdown pass, increasing the lead to 30–10. Cleveland's sole touchdown came on an interception return by
Brandon McDonald off of Eagle second-string quarterback
Kevin Kolb
Kevin Benjamin Kolb ( ; born August 24, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Houston Cougars and was selected by the Philadelphia ...
. With the win, the Eagle's winning streak increased to three games, and hopes of a playoff berth continued. Their record went to 8–5–1.
Week 16: at Washington Redskins
The Eagles came out flat and lost 10–3 to the
Washington Redskins
The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East ...
in a game that was almost a must-win for them (thanks to the losses by the Cowboys and Buccaneeers). After a scoreless first quarter, Redskins kicker
Shaun Suisham kicked a 33-yard field goal to send Eagles to halftime with a 3–0 deficit. In the third quarter, Washington cashed in on a fumble recovery deep in Philadelphia territory when running back
Clinton Portis
Clinton Earl Portis (born September 1, 1981) is an American college football coach at Delaware State University and former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He played col ...
scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. The Eagles answered with kicker
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
nailing a 22-yard field goal to make it 10–3 Washington. With 3:48 to play, Philadelphia's offense mustered up a late-game drive. After a couple of incomplete passes in the direction of
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
, a pair of receptions by
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
got the Eagles inside the Washington red zone. However, the rally fell short when a pass to wide receiver
Reggie Brown only got to the 1-yard line, as Redskins cornerback
Fred Smoot
Fredrick Smoot (born April 17, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and was recogni ...
and safety
LaRon Landry
LaRon Louis Landry (born October 14, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for LSU Tigers, and earned consensus All-American honors. The Wash ...
tackled Brown shy of the goal line, allowing time to run out. The Eagles dropped to 8–6–1, and needed a loss by Tampa Bay, either a loss by Chicago or Minnesota, and a win against Dallas to get into the playoffs.
Week 17: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Losses by the
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. They are one of two remaining ...
and
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (colloquially known as the Bucs) are a professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC S ...
earlier in the day gave the Eagles the help they needed and created a situation where the winner between the Eagles and
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. T ...
would earn a playoff berth. In the first quarter, the Eagles scored first with a 40-yard field goal from kicker
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
. The game would soon be tied by Cowboys kicker
Nick Folk
Nicholas Alexander Folk (born November 5, 1984) is an American professional American football, football placekicker. He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats football, Arizona Wildcats, where he received first-team 2006 All-Pacific-10 ...
's 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Eagles took control when quarterback
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
found
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter (; born October 6, 1978) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a running back for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Nebraska Cor ...
for a 59-yard catch-and-run, then snuck the ball up the middle himself for touchdown. McNabb completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Buckhalter later in the quarter, then hit tight end
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek (; born January 25, 1985) is an American professional football executive and former tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats and was sel ...
for a 1-yard touchdown pass as Philadelphia took a 24–3 lead. A kick return fumble by
Pacman Jones
Adam Bernard Jones (born September 30, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. Nicknamed "Pacman", he played college football for ...
with five seconds left in the half allowed the Eagles to close out the half with a David Akers 50-yard field goal. A gadget play where
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He currently is the head football coach a ...
passed 42 yards to
Terrell Owens
Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), also known by his initials "T.O.", is an American former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the greatest wide rec ...
took Dallas into Philadelphia territory, but
Brian Dawkins
Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973), nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played ...
sacked
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the Eastern Illinois Pan ...
, causing a fumble which was recovered and returned for a touchdown by
Chris Clemons. On the Cowboys' next drive,
Marion Barber fumbled (Also caused by Dawkins) inside the Eagle 5-yard line, and
Joselio Hanson
Joselio Basilio Hanson (born August 13, 1981) is an American former professional football cornerback. He began his professional career by signing with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He also spent one year of his care ...
returned the ball 96 yards for a touchdown and it was now 41–3 Eagles. A Chris Clemons sack of Romo caused another fumble, which led to a field goal and 44–3 lead. The Eagles forced five turnovers, Buckhalter had 122 yards from scrimmage, and McNabb had a pair of touchdown passes and one rushing score. Philadelphia ended the regular season at 9–6–1, but more importantly, they had improbably clinched the NFC's #6 seed.
Playoffs
NFC Wild Card: at Minnesota Vikings
Entering the postseason as the NFC's sixth seed, the Eagles began their playoff run at the
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (commonly called the Metrodome) was a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It opened in 1982 as a replacement for Metropolitan Stadium, the former home of the National Football League's (NFL) ...
against the #3 seeded
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis. The Vikings compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. Founded in 1960 as ...
. The Vikings, coached by
Andy Reid
Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously the head coach of the Philadelphi ...
protege
Brad Childress
Brad Childress (born June 27, 1956) is a former American football coach. He worked for over 40 years as a coach for various college programs and National Football League (NFL) franchises. He was the offensive coordinator for Wisconsin from 1994 ...
, finished the season at 10–6 with an
NFC North
The National Football Conference – Northern Division or NFC North is one of the four divisions of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). Nicknamed the "Black and Blue Division" for the rough and toug ...
title. Minnesota's defense was ranked #1 in the league against the rush. The offense featured emerging superstar running back
Adrian Peterson
Adrian Lewis Peterson (; born March 21, 1985) is an American former professional football running back who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He is widely considered to be one of the greatest running backs in football hist ...
, but inexperienced
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris D'Andre Jackson (April 21, 1983 – April 12, 2020) was an American professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL). Jackson played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Alabama State ...
had taken over at quarterback late in the year and would start in the playoffs.
In the opening quarter, a 62-yard punt return by
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
led to a 43-yard field goal by kicker
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
. Akers converted from 51 yards at the end of the quarter and the Eagles led 6–0.
The Vikings struck in the second quarter when running back
Adrian Peterson
Adrian Lewis Peterson (; born March 21, 1985) is an American former professional football running back who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He is widely considered to be one of the greatest running backs in football hist ...
broke a 40-yard touchdown run to the left, giving Minnesota a 7–6 lead. A 34-yard completion by
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
to DeSean Jackson set up another field goal for the Eagles. One minute later, cornerback
Asante Samuel
Asante Tyrell Samuel Sr. (born January 6, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He played colle ...
returned an interception of Tarvaris Jackson 44 yards return for a touchdown (the 4th of his career, which is the most career postseason TD interception returns in NFL history). Peterson carried it in 3 yards for a touchdown late in the half to make the score 16–14 Eagles.
The defenses stiffened in a scoreless third quarter, but the game remained tight. Then, with 6:37 left in the fourth quarter,
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
took a screen pass 71 yards for a touchdown to extend Philadelphia's lead to 23–14. Westbrook's play was greatly aided by excellent downfield blocking by the rest of the Eagle offense. The Eagles' recovery of a low shotgun snap to Tarvaris Jackson led to Akers' fourth field goal of the day and a 26–14 lead.
Westbrook had 121 yards from scrimmage, as well as a key touchdown. Tight end
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek (; born January 25, 1985) is an American professional football executive and former tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats and was sel ...
chipped in with 6 catches for 56 yards, while McNabb threw for 300 yards a touchdown and an interception. With the win, the Eagles improved their overall record to 10–6–1. Also, Philadelphia improved their Wild Card record under head coach Andy Reid to 4–0.
NFC Divisional Round: at New York Giants
Coming off their Wild Card road win over the Vikings, the Eagles took a bus up the
NJ Turnpike to
Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium (sometimes referred to as Giants Stadium at the Meadowlands) was a stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The venue was open from 1976 to 2010, and primarily hosted sporting events and ...
for their NFC Divisional duel with their NFC East rival, the top-seeded/defending champion
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The ...
. The Giants had defeated the Eagles 36–31 in Week 10, but the Eagles won 20–14 four weeks later in the
Meadowlands. It was the start of a skid for New York where they lost three of their final four games after the loss of receiver
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans, and was ...
.
Ahmad Bradshaw
Ahmad Bradshaw (born March 19, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Marshall Thundering Herd. Bradshaw was selected in the seven ...
returned the opening kickoff to the Eagle 35-yard line and the Giants finished the drive with a 22-yard
John Carney field goal. On the first play of New York's next drive,
Asante Samuel
Asante Tyrell Samuel Sr. (born January 6, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He played colle ...
came up with another big playoff interception for the Eagles, returning the ball inside the New York 5-yard line.
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
stretched the ball over the plane for a touchdown on a quarterback sneak as Philadelphia took a 7–3 lead. New York punter
Jeff Feagles
Jeffrey Allan Feagles (born March 7, 1966) is an American former professional football player who was a punter for 22 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. He was originally signed ...
pinned the Eagles deep in their own territory early in the second quarter, and the Giants defense forced McNabb into committing an intentional grounding penalty from his own endzone, giving the Giants a safety. Carney missed from 46 yards on the ensuing New York possession, but he was good from 34 yard on the next possession as New York went ahead 8–7. The Eagles' offense finally got on track on their last possession of the half, driving down the field and getting a 25-yard field goal by
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
to take a 10–8 lead to the locker room.
New York defensive lineman
Fred Robbins
Fred Robbins (born March 25, 1977) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons football, Wa ...
came up with an interception of McNabb early in the third quarter, and New York retook the lead on a field goal. Philadelphia responded with an impressive drive highlighted by McNabb finding slot receiver
Jason Avant
Jason Raye Avant (born April 20, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Michigan and was selected by the Philadelphi ...
for a 21-yard gain on 3rd-and-20 and running back
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter (; born October 6, 1978) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a running back for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Nebraska Cor ...
for 19 yards on 3rd-and-10. The drive ended in a short field goal and the Eagles led 13–11. Carney missed a 47-yarder on the next drive, and the Eagles capitalized with a 10-play drive capped with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek (; born January 25, 1985) is an American professional football executive and former tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats and was sel ...
. Early in the fourth quarter, on 4th-and-1 from the Giant 44-yard line,
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning family, he is the youngest ...
was stuffed on a quarterback sneak. On the next drive, the Eagles defensive line stopped
Derrick Ward
Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is an American former professional football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL draft and played for the New York ...
and
Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New York Giants. He played college football for the Auburn Tig ...
on third and fourth down. After the ball turned over on downs, McNabb laced a 48-yard bomb to
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
. A field goal followed and the Eagles took a 23–11 lead.
Quintin Mikell
Quintin Perry Mikell Jr. (born September 16, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Boise State Broncos, he was sign ...
's interception of Manning essentially ended the game.
The Eagles had delivered a big upset and now advanced to the
NFC Championship
The NFC Championship Game is the annual championship game of the National Football Conference (NFC) and one of the two semifinal playoff games of the National Football League (NFL), the largest professional American football league in the world. ...
against the
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC West, West division. The ...
. McNabb threw for 217 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in windy conditions.
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
was held to 36 rushing yards, but DeSean Jackson caught four passes for 84 yards. While Jacobs and Ward combined for 138 yards, Manning struggled in the passing game, throwing two interceptions. With the win, the Eagles improved their overall record to 11–6–1.
NFC Championship: at Arizona Cardinals
Coming off their divisional road win over the top-seeded Giants, the Eagles flew to the
University of Phoenix Stadium
State Farm Stadium is a multi-purpose retractable roof stadium in Glendale, Arizona, United States, west of Phoenix. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL) and the annual Fiesta Bowl. It replaced Sun Devi ...
for the
NFC Championship Game
The NFC Championship Game is the annual championship game of the National Football Conference (NFC) and one of the two semifinal National Football League playoffs, playoff games of the National Football League (NFL), the largest professional Ame ...
against the
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC West, West division. The ...
. On Thanksgiving Night, the Eagles had crushed Arizona 48–20. The Cardinals, who finished 9–7 with losses in four of their last six games, were considered by some experts to be one of the worst playoff teams ever. However, they put together wins over the
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC South, South division. The Falcons were founded o ...
and the
Carolina Panthers behind strong performances by veteran quarterback
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene Warner (born June 22, 1971) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals. His career, whi ...
and wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. (born August 31, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the ...
.
The Cardinals marched down the field after the game's opening kickoff and ended the drive with
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene Warner (born June 22, 1971) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals. His career, whi ...
's 9-yard touchdown pass to
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. (born August 31, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the ...
.
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college ...
scrambled for 21 yards on Philadelphia's first play, and the drive ended in a 45-yard field goal by
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Wa ...
(improving his NFL record for consecutive postseason field goals to 19). Akers missed on the next Eagles' drive, and on Arizona's first play after taking over, Fitzgerald scored on a 62-yard touchdown pass on a trick play to give Arizona a 14–3 second quarter lead. A 47-yard catch and run by
Kevin Curtis
Kevin Devon Curtis (born July 17, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah State Aggies and was selected by the St. Louis R ...
helped Philadelphia answer with a 33-yard field goal, but the Cardinals would end the half with Warner's 1-yard touchdown pass to Fitzgerald and kicker
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers (born August 16, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Illinois Fighting I ...
' 49-yard field goal to take a commanding 24–6 lead.
The third quarter began with safety
Adrian Wilson sacking McNabb on a blitz and Arizona recovering. However, the Eagles' defense held and McNabb began to rally Philadelphia. A 50-yard completion to Curtis jump-started a drive that ended in a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek (; born January 25, 1985) is an American professional football executive and former tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats and was sel ...
to make it 24–13. The Eagles got the ball right back and scored again on a 31-yard touchdown pass from McNabb to Celek, narrowing the score to 24–19 after a failed PAT by Akers. The Cardinals punted again, and with 10:45 left in the fourth quarter, McNabb launched a bomb to
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Delaware State Hornets football, Delaware State University. Known for his speed, he is recog ...
that he bobbled and then hauled in despite the coverage of
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Dominique Reshard Rodgers-Cromartie (born April 7, 1986) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a cornerback for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennesse ...
. The 62-yard play put Philadelphia ahead 25–24 (after a failed 2-point conversion). The Cardinals began an eight-minute drive (that included a 4th-and-1 conversion) that was capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back
Tim Hightower
Timothy Michael Hightower (born May 23, 1986) is an American former professional football running back. He played college football for the Richmond Spiders and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL draft. He was ...
. The successful 2-point conversion by
Ben Patrick
Ben Patrick (born August 23, 1984) is an American former professional American football, football tight end. He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL draft. He played college football at Duke and Delaware Fig ...
put Arizona back on top 32–25. The Eagles drove in Arizona territory, but four straight incompletions ended Philadelphia's hopes of a
Super Bowl XLIII
Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champions Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference (NFC) champions Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League (NFL) champ ...
appearance, as well as an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl (the Steelers had won the AFC Championship Game over the Ravens later in the day).
With the loss, Philadelphia's season ended with an overall record of 11–7–1. McNabb threw for 375 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Curtis had 122 receiving yards, Jackson had 92 receiving yards, and Celek had 10 catches and two touchdowns. However,
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of ...
(71 yards from scrimmage) was a non-factor and the defense forced zero turnovers. Larry Fitzgerald, who eventually set a record for receiving yards in a playoff season, had 152 yards, three touchdowns, and dominated the first half.
Statistics
Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Kicking
Punting
References
External links
2008 Philadelphia Eaglesat
Pro-Football-Reference.com
Pro Football Reference (PFR) is an online statistics database for professional American football maintained by Sports Reference. The site provides career statistics for players, teams, and games, as well as records and NFL draft history. PFR was ...
{{DEFAULTSORT:2008 Philadelphia Eagles season
Philadelphia Eagles seasons
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The team plays its ...