Defense Key to 10-5 Mark

While coach Andy Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb get most of the credit for Philadelphia`s amazing turnaround, the defense is just as responsible for getting the 10-and-5 Eagles to the playoffs.

With one game left this season, the Eagles have given up only 238 points, or about 16 points per game.

This year`s defense has three Pro Bowlers in Hugh Douglas, Jeremiah Trotter and Troy Vincent, and is tenth in yards allowed, 19th against the run and seventh against the pass.

The `91 team failed to reach the postseason despite a 10-and-6 record.

The Eagles have a bye week this week. They close out the regular season at home on Christmas Eve against Cincinnati.

(Copyright 2000 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Author: AP