Braves on the Warpath Series: McNabb's triumphant return to Philly!

Redskins QB Donovan McNabb makes his first return to city where he called home for over 11 years as the Redskins visit the Eagles in Philadelphia. While McNabb downplayed this game, this game was marked the moment he was picked up by the Redskins back in the spring. As honest and respectful the Philly fans were in their standing ovation for McNabb as he was introduced, so quick were the boos once he made a big play when the game started. In the end, the Redskins escape with another victory on the last play as Eagles WR Jason Avant drops the ball in the end zone on the final play. Final score, 17-12 Redskins.


"McNabb gets a standing ovation in his return to Philly." Image courtesy of Extremeskins.com

Even with all the energy and attention drawn from McNabb's return, the fact still remained that the Redskins just came off a horrible loss to the previously winless Rams in St. Louis. The Redskins were 1-2 going into Week 4, with by the far the toughest four-game stretch this season coming up from here through week 7. A game at a division rival is always a tough game, particularly in the NFC East. The Redskins were able to erase the debacle of the first quarter in last week's game when they found themselves down 14 points and started this game on the right foot. RB Clinton Portis, with all the controversy over his "soft" playing last week, was able to gain back some dignity but running up on the Eagles' defense. He would split carries with fresh-off-the-practice-squad RB Ryan Torain and the two combined for over 120 yards on the ground. Torain would bring a set of fresh and youthful legs that would allow for a more potent rushing attack that would reduce the need for McNabb to throw. McNabb would only throw 19 times, complete 8 of them, and throw one TD and one INT.



"Ryan Torain, a new face on the Redskins rushing corps." Image courtesy of Matt Slocum, AP

The Eagles started with the ball, but would go three and out. The Redskins get great field position by rookie WR Brandon Banks on his return, and after a few rushing plays and a personal foul penalty on the Eagles, Torain would score on a 12-yard TD run. The Eagles would do a little better on their second series, but still fail to convert and must punt it back. As I mentioned earlier, the Redskins stayed driven on their rushing game and marched down the field on the shoulders of Portis and Torain. Only when the secondary played shallow for a run did McNabb get a good look on TE Chris Cooley as he threw a perfect pass to him in stride on his way to a 31 yard TD catch. Redskins go up 14-0 with about five minutes left in the first quarter.


"TE Chris Cooley scores his second TD of the year." Image courtesy of Matt Slocum, AP

Now, with McNabb released from the Eagles, the projected QB starter in Philly was Kevin Kolb. Michael Vick was the back up and all throughout the offseason, coach Andy Reid was committing to this line-up. Well, in the first game of the season, Kolb gets knocked out with a concussion and Vick takes over. He admirably takes the game into his own hands (and feet) and nearly comes back against the Packers in their week one loss. Andy Reid stated Kolb was still the starter IF healthy. Even Vick himself admitted that he was just the back-up. However, with all the drama unfolding and precautions taken for a concusssion, Reid surprises everyone by naming Vick the starter for the rest of the year. Vick does nothing but impress in weeks two and three as he leads the Eagles to victories over the Lions and Jaguars. He would have a TD:INT ratio of 6:0 on his way to quickly becoming the hottest player in the league (again).


"QB Michael Vick gets knocked out of the game, and just when things were going his way." Image courtesy of Matt Slocum, AP

This week, he got off on a bumpy start, but still played well enough in the first quarter......up until he gets sandwiched near the goal line. He would not return to the game as he suffered what would be bruised ribs/chest. Enter Kevin Kolb. Kolb would do fine in relief as he brings the Eagles back within a score and as I mentioned earlier, take the game down to the final play as he nearly completed the TD catch that would have won the game. With Vick out for an undetermined amount of time, the QB rotation tilts back to Kolb, for obvious reasons.


"The third game where a Redskins game was decided on the last play." Image courtesy of Mel Evans, AP

So the Redskins are now sitting pretty well at 2-2, with both wins against division foes. Last year, the Redskins were 0-6 against the division and being 2-0 now will help tremendously as the year goes on. Again, this was the first of a tough four-game stretch with the Packers and Colts coming into FedEx for the next two weeks, and then the Redskins go to Chicago to play the Bears. With the way these aforementioned teams had played thus far, it's no longer a sure loss for the Redskins. The Redskins must play to their above-par abilities and get lucky on some. We'll see how things go next week; too soon to talk playoffs, but perhaps we'll play spoiler in the NFC. There is no clear cut favorite so far. For now, all is well in Washington for at least one week.