Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA ó Written off last month, the resurgent Philadelphia Eagles are making a strong playoff push.
Donovan McNabb threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, Asante Samuel scored on an interception return and the Eagles beat the struggling Cleveland Browns 30-10 on Monday night for their third straight victory.
Philadelphia (8-5-1) remained a half-game behind three teams in the race for the two NFC wild-card spots. The Eagles have to win their final two games ó at Washington and home against Dallas ó and need Atlanta or Tampa Bay to lose once to secure a playoff berth.
“We put everything together and we’re playing some pretty good ball right now,” said safety Brian Dawkins, who set a team record by playing his 181st game with the Eagles. “We are a very, very confident group and we’re looking forward to this next game.”
The Browns (4-10) have lost four in a row. At least they finally scored a touchdown on Brandon McDonald’s 24-yard interception return in the fourth quarter. The Browns, who didn’t reach the end zone in the previous three games, could be looking for a new coach to replace Romeo Crennel after the season.
“Our guys tried but I don’t think we have enough ammunition to match up with them,” Crennel said.
Jason Avant had five receptions for 101 yards ó his first career 100-yard game. McNabb finished 26-of-35 before he was replaced by Kevin Kolb with more than 10 minutes remaining.