MINNEAPOLIS – Talk about having your good days. Donovan McNabb heard earlier in the day, via a report in the *Boston Globe *that team Chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie said the Eagles had "every intention" of bringing McNabb back in 2009, ending the non-stop media speculation.
And then the veteran Eagles quarterback went out and played a tough game against a non-stop blitz, helping the Eagles secure a 26-14 win in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs.
"It's great to keep winning and keep moving on. Now we prepare for an outstanding Giants team next Sunday," said McNabb. Photo Gallery : PHI vs. MIN 1-4-09
McNabb completed 23 of 34 passes for 300 yards and a touchdown, along with an interception and a lost fumble when Jared Allen got free from left tackle Tra Thomas. He completed passes to eight pass catchers. McNabb stood tall against the relentless Vikings pass rush, and while the Eagles handled the more-than-expected blitzing from Minnesota, McNabb kept his cool and made some big plays to get the offense out of a few field-position jams during the game.
"Our receivers did a good job of catching the football and making plays," said McNabb, who led a 10-0 advantage in the fourth quarter to clinch the win. "It's important that you win every quarter. You want to keep moving the chains, eat up some clock and come out with some points. We were able to do all of it and put ourselves up nine points. Then we went back out there after some great plays by our defense and got a field goal and put us up by 12.
"It's an exciting time for us in this locker room."
Early in the fourth quarter the Eagles reversed field position, and, while they didn't score points on either drive, they backed Minnesota into long fields. The offense started at its 4-yard line and gained three first downs, moving to the Philadelphia 46-yard line. A Sav Rocca punt put the Vikings at their 19-yard line and the Eagles defense held and then McNabb completed a screen pass to Brian Westbrook that went for 71 yards and a touchdown.
It was big, as McNabb completed 4 of 5 passes to get the Eagles out of a jam.
"You don't want to turn the ball over and put yourself in a bad position," said McNabb. "We moved the ball and ate clock and it worked well."
As for the never-ending rumors about the future that Lurie put to rest in his interview with the out-of-town newspaper, well, McNabb was happy about that, too.
"Well, that's exciting," said McNabb. "Maybe I don't have to answer questions from you guys anymore. I'll be here. That's very nice."
So much for the drama. It's on to the Giants for McNabb and the Eagles. Again.
"We've done this so many times throughout my career here," said McNabb. "It's going to be a challenge. You have to put everything on the line now. Everything counts."
