Jaworski Has Eagles Soaring, 30-7

Quarterback Ron Jaworski of the Philadelphia Eagles made Coach Jim Hanifan of the St. Louis Cardinals look like a prophet Sunday.

Last week, when the Eagles said they were benching rookie quarterback Randall Cunningham and restoring the veteran Jaworski, Hanifan said he’d rather face Cunningham.

“If Jaworski gets time he can cut you to pieces,” Hanifan said.

Jaworski got time Sunday, and he did just what Hanifan predicted.

Starting for the first time since he was replaced by Cunningham after a season-opening 21-0 loss to the New York Giants, Jaworski threw three touchdown passes as the Eagles routed the Cardinals, 30-7.

The game between the two NFC East teams left the Cardinals (3-3) just one game ahead of the Eagles (2-4).

“The offensive line was as good as I’ve seen it,” said Jaworski, a 13-year veteran.

“I’ve got to buy these guys a case of steaks. This week I told them I would if I didn’t get sacked. They gave me plenty of of time to look for secondary receivers, and time to see the patterns develop.”

Jaworski completed 18 of 28 pass attempts for 243 yards and didn’t throw an interception.

Philadelphia Coach Marion Campbell said, “This is the best that I’ve seen an Eagles’ team play in quite a few years.”

Campbell said running back Earnest Jackson, who gained 103 yards in 27 carries, was the first Eagle player other than the recently traded Wilbert Montgomery to rush for more than 100 yards in a game since Leroy Harris in 1979.

“And it’s the first time (this season) the offensive line didn’t allow any sacks,” he said. “We’ve worked hard all year and today (Sunday) we got over the hump.”

The Eagles got help from Paul McFadden, who kicked field goals of 39, 21 and 52 yards to boost his total for the season to 10 of 12.

The Philadelphia defense held St. Louis to 73 yards on the ground and forced starting quarterback Neil Lomax from the game with three of their four sacks and two pass interceptions. Defensive end Greg Brown had three sacks.

The Cardinals penetrated Eagle territory just twice in the second half.