Rough Draft

They're Back

The Eagles started the 2005 NFL season with a rough loss (14-10) to the Atlanta Falcons last Monday Night. McNabb took a hard hit to his chest in the first quarter and didn't seem himself the rest of the game. The team as a whole just didn't seem to be clicking, and my confidence in a repeat trip to the Super Bowl dropped.

Fortunately, that loss on Monday night seems to have brought the team together and the Eagles routed the 49ers 42-3 today. McNabb was on fire today and threw 5 touchdown passes to 4 different players. The two TDs to Owens were 68 and 42 yards. The other three TD throws were all under 10 yards. McNabb didn't look at all bothered by his bruised sternum and threw a number of very difficult passes incredibly accurately.

Other highlights of the game included linebacker Mark Simoneau successfully kicking an extra point after David Akers injured his hamstring, tightend LJ Smith having 9 receptions for 119 yards and 11 Eagles players catching passes. The Eagles defense was also quite solid with 3 interceptions and only giving up 3 points.

Obviously routing the young 49ers team isn't something you can read too much into, but regardless the Eagles looked extremely sharp. Also of note is Owens did not show boat at all. He really didn't do any kind of crazy celebration on either of his touchdown catches. This is especially surprising given the 49ers are his former team, and some of the 49ers players tried stirring things up with various comments about Owens throughout the week. Clearly, Owens' various on-field antics and off-field dramas can be distracting for the, but you have to respect his shear abilities and the fact of the matter is the Eagles need a stand out receiver such as Owens if they're going to be successful.