Eagles Flashbacks: McNabb shines in a Browns beatdown at the turn of the century

After a much-needed bye week to get rested and healthy, the Philadelphia Eagles take on the struggling Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

These two teams have met on the field 50 times, and surprisingly, the Browns have dominated the series. They have notched 32 wins over the Birds. Philly has taken 17 games, and the two teams have also battled to one tie.

Let's take a trip down memory lane. In 2000, the mentee (Donovan McNabb) defeated his mentor (former Eagles quarterback, Doug Pederson) by a 35-24 margin on December 10th.

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Eagles vs Browns: December 10th, 2000

After a scoreless opening drive by Cleveland that lasted one second short of seven minutes, the Birds got the scoring started. Despite being backed up at their two-yard line, Philly would march 98 yards in ten plays to score a touchdown. The drive ended with running back Darnell Autry scoring a TD.

Fast forward to the early minutes of the second quarter. The Browns would cruise 74 yards in seven plays. Quarterback Doug Pederson found David Patten for the nine-yard TD pass to tie the game at 7 with 14:07 left in the first half.

Philadelphia's kick returner Brian Mitchell fumbled the ball on the ensuing kickoff, and Cleveland was quick to capitalize from the Eagles 37-yard line after the recovery.

The Browns capped an eight-play drive with running back Travis Prentice rushing for a one-yard score to give his team a 14-7 edge with 10:17 remaining in the second quarter.

The Donovan McNabb-Torrance Small connection took over. They combined for 84 yards through the air and teamed for two touchdowns. The Birds enjoyed a 21-14 advantage at the end of the first half.

McNabb continued to cook during the third and fourth quarters. Wideout Charles Johnson joined the party and lit up the field with 90 yards and two touchdowns to extend the Eagles lead.

The 35-14 score at the end of the third quarter lessened as the Browns scored twice during garbage time. Ten points wouldn't be enough. They'd still lose by a 35-24 margin, and the good guys would fly back to Philly with smiles.

Eagles versus Browns 2000 stat line

Donovan McNabb was on fire on that cold December day, completing 22 of his 36 passes for 390 yards with four touchdowns.

Darnell Autry didn't have a big stat day with 10 carries for 28 yards but did find the endzone once in the game. Torrance Small collected seven receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns.

Charles Johnson also couldn't be stopped by the Browns' secondary. He hauled in five receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

Tight end Chad Lewis didn't find the endzone in the win but made his impression felt with five receptions for 100 yards. The Eagles defense also enjoyed some nice moments.

Philly picked off Doug Pederson twice and Kevin Johnson once. Brian Dawkins, Troy Vincent, and Bobby Taylor hauled in Philly's interceptions.

Philly would also register three sacks in the win. Jeremiah Trotter, Corey Simon, and Hugh Douglas were the beneficiaries. Trotter, Simon, and Vincent would each force a fumble in the victory.

Read more about the Eagles' history