McNabb Nabs the Spotlight

For one game, at least, Donovan McNabb proved he was the right pick for the Philadelphia Eagles.

McNabb passed for a career-high 222 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Eagles to a 21-7 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

McNabb did it against the NFL’s top-rated pass defense and in front of running back Ricky Williams, whom many Eagles fans wanted instead of McNabb in the 1999 draft.

“I never had a problem with losing my confidence,” said McNabb, the No. 2 overall pick, three spots ahead of Williams. “For me to come out and play this way and lead our team to victory is important.”

McNabb completed 20 of 32 passes and rushed for 25 yards to help the Eagles end a two-game losing streak.

McNabb connected with Chad Lewis on a 16-yard scoring pass at the beginning of the second quarter to tie the score, 7-7. Twenty seconds later, after Williams fumbled, McNabb hooked up with Charles Johnson for a 21-yard touchdown pass.

The Eagles (2-2) managed the first-half touchdowns despite the Saints’ strong defense, which limited Philadelphia to 270 total yards and 14 first downs.

Williams had his second consecutive 100-yard rushing game but fumbled twice, losing both. He finished with 103 yards in 20 carries and caught six passes for 47 yards.