Eagles Lose Defensive Struggle

Ryan Longwell ruined Andy Reid`s homecoming. It was Longwell`s first game-winning field goal in high school, college or the NFL.

He missed one against Chicago last season and at Philadelphia on Sept. 7, 1997 - the last time the Packers (1-2) failed to score a touchdown.

Reid, the Eagles` second-year coach who spent five seasons coaching the Packers` tight ends and two years as quarterbacks coach, shared a brief hug with Sherman after the game, which ended with David Bowens tackling Brian Mitchell near midfield.

The Packers narrowly avoided their first 0-3 start since 1988.

Longwell`s field goal capped a 12-play, 60-yard drive, highlighted by Antonio Freeman`s 16-yard catch at his own 29 and Ahman Green`s 16-yard scamper to the Eagles` 30 at the two-minute warning.

Longwell also made a 37-yarder with six minutes left in the third quarter after missing a 40-yarder at the end of the first half.

The Eagles` only points came on David Akers` 43-yarder with two minutes left in the first half.

Green Bay`s Brett Favre was 18-of-33 for 189 yards and three interceptions. Philadelphia`s Donovan McNabb was 15-of-31 for 118 yards and one interception.

The Eagles (1-2) were flagged 12 times for 115 yards, and both teams had touchdowns that were wiped out by penalty in the third quarter.

Eagles linebacker Mike Caldwell`s 56-yard fumble return for a touchdown was negated by safety Damon Moore`s illegal contact penalty. And a 72-yard punt return for a score by Allen Rossum, who was traded by the Eagles last month, was wiped out by K.D. Williams` illegal block on the other side of the field.

Packers running back Dorsey Levens played for the first time since having knee surgery Aug. 15. He carried 24 times for 74 yards. Duce Staley rushed 17 times for 60 yards for the Eagles. He also caught eight passes for 62 yards.

Packers center Frank Winters played in his 200th regular-season game, but left midway through the second quarter with a sprained ankle. He was replaced by Mike Flanagan.

Eagles defensive end Hugh Douglas had two sacks, giving him five in three games. (Courtesy Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2000.)

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: AP