You don't have to remind free safety Nate Allen that he was selected with one of the draft picks acquired in the Donovan McNabb trade earlier this year. He's been hearing about it all week as the Eagles prepare to host the Redskins this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Allen doesn't think all that much of it.

"I try not to worry about it too much," Allen said. "I could see if I was a quarterback, but I'm on the other side of the ball. He's a great quarterback. He's one of the best in the league. It's going to be a good test and it's going to be a lot of fun."

It's that attitude that has allowed the second-round draft pick to be inserted seamlessly into the defense as a rookie. In his first month on the job, Allen had 19 tackles, two interceptions and a sack. He was named on Wednesday the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month.

"It's a big honor. It's a compliment to the veteran guys and the coaching staff for helping me get prepared week to week," Allen said. "I'm just trying to go out there and make plays. I'm trying to be 1/11th of the defense."

Against the Packers, Allen became the first Eagles rookie to register an interception on opening day since Eric Allen (no relation) in 1988. With his Week 2 interception against the Lions, Allen was the first Eagles rookie with an interception in his first two games since Brenard Wilson in 1979.

While the streak was snapped in last week's win over Jacksonville, he did record his first NFL sack against quarterback David Garrard. It would only be fitting if the interception streak was re-ignited this week against the player with whom he will always have a connection.

"I know. I know. I broke the streak," Allen said. "Hopefully, we can start a new one this week."

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 9:40 a.m., September 30