McNabb Answers Critics

Donovan McNabb silenced his critics. Jim Fassel gave his detractors more reasons to complain.

McNabb threw for 314 yards and two touchdowns, and Brian Westbrook caught two touchdown passes and ran for a score, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to their fifth consecutive victory, 28-10 over the New York Giants on Sunday.

“From where we were after two games, everybody burning us up and trying to get us out of town, to where we are now is pretty exciting,” McNabb said.

The two-time NFC East champion Eagles (7-3) have won seven of eight after opening the season with two losses at home.

The Giants (4-6) have lost two in a row, including an embarrassing 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week that left fans chanting “Fire Fassel.”

“We’re not playing well. I’m responsible,” Fassel said. “We can’t seem to overcome some things.”

McNabb, heavily criticized for his poor performance in the first six games, completed 24 of 30 passes for his fourth consecutive solid effort and fifth career 300-yard performance. Tiki Barber had 111 yards rushing and no fumbles, but failed to get in the end zone on fourth and goal at the Philadelphia one late in the second quarter.

The Giants went into the season with high expectations after riding a high-powered offense to the playoffs last season. But consecutive losses have dampened their playoff hopes and put Fassel’s job in jeopardy.

“Donovan did a nice job,” Eagle Coach Andy Reid said. “He spread the ball around, hit nine different receivers and seemed very productive.”

Giant quarterback Kerry Collins connected with Barber on a 10-yard touchdown pass to cut it to 21-10 early in the fourth. But McNabb connected with Westbrook on a five-yard touchdown pass play to ice it with 5:26 left.

“It’s great that we finally came together offensively,” said Eagle wide receiver James Thrash. “This time we did it the whole game.”