The Philadelphia Eagles have had enough.
Enough of the bad press.
Enough of the drama.
Enough of the disappointment.
The Birds made that clear Monday night with a not-so disappointing 30-10 romp over the battered Cleveland Browns in front of a charged crowd at Lincoln Financial Field.
The win has the Eagles (8-5-1) knee deep in the NFC wild card race and it’s set up to be a sprint to the finish.
Donovan McNabb abused one of the NFL’s worst defenses completing 26 of 35 passes for 290 yards with a pair of touchdowns and an interception.
On the other side of the ball, Asante Samuel anchored the NFL’s No. 3 defense allowing just a field goal to the Browns (4-10) while taking a Ken Dorsey interception to the house.
A month ago, Eagles fans were calling for McNabb’s head. Now, three straight wins later, they have resurrected the “McNabb 4 MVP” signs that have become a familiar staple at Lincoln Financial Field.
Since week 12, McNabb has completed 72 of 104 passes for seven touchdowns and only one interception.
That lonely pick came on the final play of the first half when Brandon McDonald stepped in front of a potential touchdown pass returning it 98 yards before Brian Westbrook took him down at the Eagles 7.
If a picture could tell a thousand words, Donovan McNabb’s face was a canvas of limitless literary translation. Obviously upset with the miscue, the fans let him have it via boos as he walked into the players tunnel with a 17-3 halftime lead.
It’s Philadelphia. They have to boo at least once.
After 10 years with the organization, it’s as if we’ve seen McNabb grow up, again, right before our very eyes over the last month. And my how he has grown.
McNabb used the entire field hitting nine different receivers including Jason Avant five times for 101 yards.
With the game under Eagles control, Kevin Kolb replaced McNabb with 10 minutes to play in the fourth. After surrendering McDonald’s second interception for a 24 yard score, Eagles’ fans received a reality shock of what life would really be like without No. 5.
Not so good.
The Eagles got off to a quick start when McNabb floated a ball in the corner of the end zone for a leaping Kevin Curtis.
Samuel’s 50-yard interception put the Eagles up 17-3 after David Akers drilled his first of three field goals of the night.
Akers would hit two more field goals before McNabb hooked up with Greg Lewis from 10 yards out in the fourth quarter to give Philadelphia a 30-3 lead and keep the team’s playoff hopes alive.
The Eagles must win their final two games against Washington and Dallas if they want any chance of a wild card slot.
After the game, as the rain fell from the heavens, the Eagles made their way out of the stadium and for just a brief moment it looked like there were more than just Eagles' wings guiding them into the dark cold night.
