Birds Look to Lock Division

The Eagles' first meeting with the Redskins was one to forget. Philadelphia had as many first downs as penalties - seven. Its longest drive consumed only 3:59. The offense went 3-for-13 on third down. More importantly, it failed to convert two crucial fourth downs in Redskins territory. The key for the Eagles' offense this week is simple.

"We're going to have to step up and make plays," Eagles offensive coordinator Rod Dowhower said.

Much of that will have to come from quarterback Donovan McNabb, who was woefully inaccurate in the first game, completing only 15-of-27 for a paltry 92 yards.

"It doesn't matter how good the quarterback is, they can always have a day like that," Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer said of McNabb's performance. "That's why some of us old guys like the running game."

Unlike Schottenheimer, Eagles coach Andy Reid likes to pass first and run second. His offense depends on rhythm and timing, and the Eagles had neither in their last game against Washington.

"The rhythm was off," McNabb said. "I was trying to aim throws, and I could see things developing, and I knew where I was going, it was just completing the pass. At that particular time, we just weren't able to execute."

Tight end Chad Lewis, who didn't have a catch in that game, was a little more blunt.

"The last time we played, it was a team meltdown," Lewis said.

"There were definitely opportunities to make big plays," McNabb said. "Not to take anything away from their defense, because I think their defense has been doing an excellent job. We were in good situations to make plays, and this week is going to be a lot different. We're going to add a little flavor to it and continue to roll as we continue to get into a rhythm."

"We had some situations where we had some opportunities to make plays and didn't make them," Dowhower said. "In spite of any game planning or different defensive looks that they may use of offensive looks that we may use, it really comes down to guys stepping up and making plays when they're there."

When the Eagles visited FedEx Field last season, McNabb made plays with his legs, running 11 times for 125 yards, including a highlight-film touchdown. In his first meeting with the Redskins this season, McNabb ran only three times for 39 yards, but 33 of them came on a meaningless jog on the game's final play.

"There were a couple times where he thought he could throw the ball and he didn't run (last time)," Dowhower said. "We'll see what happens this time."

In the days following the loss, Dowhower told McNabb and company to loosen up, and Reid adjusted his play calling accordingly. Reid opened up the offense, called for more downfield throws, and the Eagles reeled off consecutive wins over the Chiefs and Chargers. In those two games combined, McNabb rushed for 80 yards on 16 carries.

"We've played more aggressively. You have to," Dowhower said. "This is the kind of game you want to be in. This is a challenge for us on offense because of the way we played against them the last time, and because they are good. And I'll give them credit, but this is the kind of game you want to play in, where you step up and make plays."

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Author: 6 - ABC, Action News