Eagles Crush Panthers To Open Season

Courtesy: AP/Rick Havner

It was a good news, bad news situation for the Eagles today. They won the game in dominating fashion 38-10, but also lost quarterback Donovan McNabb to a rib injury. How long McNabb will be sidelined is yet undetermined. Let’s forget that for a moment and talk about the game.

We all wondered how young Sean McDermott would fare in his first meaningful game as commander of the defense. Well, how does seven forced turnovers sound? How does five interceptions sound? How does five sacks sound? How does 169 total yards allowed sound? Sounds pretty damn good to me.

After allowing an eight minute opening drive – thanks to a 15-yard facemask penalty on Juqua Parker - the defense slammed the door shut on Jake Delhomme and a befuddled Panthers offense. McDermott channeled his mentor brilliantly as he blitzed from every angle on every down. It was a thing of beauty.

Victor Abiamiri scored a touchdown after Trent Cole sacked and forced a fumble on Delhomme. Omar Gaither played stout in the middle. Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown looked like the NFL’s best cornerback pairing with three interceptions between them. Darren Howard picked up where he left of in ’08 by recording a pair of sacks. Akeem Jordan notched a sack and a pick in what was his best game as an Eagle. I could go on and on, but you get the point.

Offensively, the Birds didn’t have to do much. Brian Westbrook looked like his old self with 64 yards on 13 carries. Brent Celek led the team with five grabs for 37 yards and a score. DeSean ran for more yards than he caught, but his scintillating 85-yard punt return for a touchdown really got the party started in the second quarter. Shady McCoy played well in mop-up duty. Winston Justice had a solid game.

Now, the bad news. McNabb got crushed on a three-yard touchdown run and suffered what is being reported as a fractured rib. He could be sidelined 2-4 weeks. Although, Reid said he “could” play next week. Kevin Kolb looked anything but smooth after taking over in the third quarter.

On the bright side, if the defense and running game continues its stellar play, losing McNabb for a couple game might not be a total disaster. However, the Saints and their high-powered attack will test McDermott’s charges next week at the Linc.

Nevertheless, I say we enjoy this victory. The Birds executed their gameplan to a tee. The redzone is still as issue. Penalties (9/76) are still a problem. Overall, this is a great way to open the 2009 season. I’ll be back later tonight with a more in-depth breakdown and some video highlights. GO EAGLES!!!!

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