With little on the line besides pride and not finishing with a losing record, the Eagles used a strong second half to destroy the Redskins 34-10 Sunday to finish the season at 8-8 on a four-game winning streak.
With the NFC’s leading rusher LeSean McCoy sitting out, QB Michael Vick threw for 335 yards on 24-for-39 passing, three touchdowns and an interception (a 104.1 passer rating). His favorite target was Jeremy Maclin who hauled in eight balls for 105 yards including a juggling grab in the fourth quarter.
The Eagles led the whole way but the lead was down to just 13-10 early in the fourth quarter until the Birds went off for 21 unanswered points.
DeSean Jackson hauled in four balls for 86 yards including a season-high 62-yard TD. Brent Celek hauled in a 4-yard TD, part of his six-catch, 86-yard day. And, rookie Dion Lewis (in place of McCoy) rushed 12 times for 58 yards and score.
Chad Hall scored took a Lambeau-style leap into the Eagles crowd after scoring on a 7-yard catch in the second quarter.
The Eagles led 10-0 at the half after the Redskins failed to get off a field goal attempt after Vick fumbled the ball to set up the Skins deep inside Philly's territory. That drive was one a three where the Skins failed to find the end zone. Their only TD came on a 47-yard screen pass from Rex Grossman to Roy Helu early in the second half.
The Eagles were 3 for 5 in the red zone.
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The defense forced Grossman into many rushed throws including an acrobatic interception by Nate Allen on a deflected pass by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Jason Babin pressured Grossman but was unable to increase on his team-high 18 sacks. Trent Cole did however haul down Grossman for the Eagles defense's only sack on the day.
Derek Landri also deserves mention for blocking a Graham Gano field goal in the second quarter.
Grossman had was 22 for 45 for 256 yards passing, one TD and one interception. And Penn State alum Evan Royster had 113 yards rushing in a losing effort for the Skins.
The win capped a four-game winning streak that likely saved Andy Reid’s job and moved the Birds to 8-8. They also were an impressive 5-1 against NFC East foes.
