Eagles Come to Own Defense

Tampa Bay’s outstanding defense couldn’t overcome an inept offense.

Donovan McNabb passed for one touchdown and ran for another to lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a 20-10 victory over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

It was the fourth consecutive victory for Philadelphia (4-2) over Tampa Bay (5-2), and it ended the Buccaneers’ winning streak at five.

“They are really good on defense, but we have to do a lot better to ever beat the Eagles,” Tampa Bay Coach Jon Gruden said.

The Buccaneers recorded their only touchdown on an 11-yard fumble return by Derrick Brooks. Philadelphia’s defense gave up only 207 total yards and had six sacks.

“Statistically, their defense was No. 1. I firmly believe ours is No. 1,” Eagle Coach Andy Reid said.

McNabb completed 12 of 25 passes for 127 yards with one interception, and ran for a career-low four yards in six carries. McNabb connected with Todd Pinkston on a 42-yard touchdown pass play in the second quarter that put Philadelphia ahead, 10-7, and had a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth.

“He didn’t kill us today, but he found his man when he had to find him,” Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp said of McNabb.

Duce Staley ran for 24 times for 152 yards, including a 57-yard run late in the fourth quarter.”We knew running the ball would wear them down. We just had to be patient,” said Staley, who had his first 100-yard game since Week 9 last season.

Tampa Bay quarterback Brad Johnson exited in the fourth quarter because of a rib injury. Rob Johnson replaced him.