Eagles Save Themselves From Embarrassment

For most of Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles looked like the idiots quarterback Ty Detmer said they would resemble if they lost to the New York Jets.

Then veterans Michael Zordich, Irving Fryar and William Thomas rescued the Eagles.

Zordich’s two interceptions set up touchdowns as the Eagles stormed back for a 21-20 victory. That kept Philadelphia (9-6) in strong position for a playoff berth, perhaps even the NFC East title. The Eagles will qualify if Washington loses at Arizona today.

“I was never doubting it,” Zordich said. “That’s what was great about it. None of us on defense thought that way. We were ready every play and there was a lot of togetherness. There was nothing negative out there.”

There was during the week, when Detmer made an innocent comment on how the fans would perceive his team if it lost.

“That was all taken out of context,” said Detmer, who had three touchdown passes, two to Fryar. “I knew they had good players and have a lot of pride. We knew it would be a dogfight.

“They’ve got class guys and there was no talking out there. I hope they understand I am not that type of player or person.”

Actually, several players said there was plenty of trash-talking, and early in the game it appeared so after each play.

Jet defensive end Hugh Douglas, who had five tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery, had threatened to try to hurt Detmer when he first heard the comment. He later backed off.

“After the game, I told him, ‘No hard feelings,’ ” Douglas said. “In the beginning of the week, it was personal. Today, it was just a game.”

Zordich’s second pickoff and seven-yard return to the New York 18 led to Fryar’s second touchdown, a 14-yard reception with 5:29 to play. Gary Anderson’s extra point made the difference.

The Jets (1-14) have lost 11th consecutive home games.