Eagles Turn to the Run, Win, 28-19

Ricky Watters had two short touchdown runs and for the second time in five weeks Randall Cunningham took over in the second half for an injured Rodney Peete as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants, 28-19.

“They do the same things regardless of who is at quarterback,” Giant Coach Dan Reeves said.

Peete threw two touchdown passes, both to Fred Barnett, in the first half and did not return after halftime because of a sore hip.

Cunningham, who lost his starting job to Peete three weeks into the season, saw his first action since the Eagles (7-4) beat New York, 17-14, on Oct. 15. He finished four for seven for 61 yards.

“Rodney played well, and I thought Randall did a good job also,” Eagle Coach Ray Rhodes said. “Both guys are effective, as far as moving the football.”

Cunningham credited his solid play to running the Eagles’ “scout” offense, which is supposed to give the Philadelphia defense the appearance of the opposing offense in the practice week leading up to the game.

“It’s so tough running against the defense because they cover up all the routes,” Cunningham said. “When I got in the game, it just seemed a little bit easier. And I said, ‘Wow, maybe I should run the scout team more.’ ”

Reeves credited the backfield duo of Watters and Charlie Garner, who combined for all but five of the Eagles’ 38 rushes. “Garner and Watters run really hard,” he said. “We just weren’t able to stop them at critical times.”

The Giants (3-8) rallied from a 21-7 halftime deficit with a field goal, safety and touchdown, but Watters’ second touchdown, Philadelphia’s only score of the second half, sealed the victory.

Philadelphia, which got six sacks in the first meeting, had a season-high eight sacks.

Watters had 20 carries for 84 yards and two touchdowns.