The Philadelphia Eagles lost to another AFC team yesterday. This time, they got smoked by the Colts, 35-13. It was the worst loss since a 27-point loss to these same Colts in 1999. The Eagles, picked by many to not only get to the Super Bowl, but to also win, may not win it afterall. The Philadelphia Eagles may dominate the NFC, but when it comes to the AFC, they seem to wilt. Even Donovan McNabb had his 4th straight sub-par game. He completed only 27-of-47 passes and 281 yards and only 1 TD. And that came in the closing minutes of this game. It was perhaps, his worst game since his rookie year. During one 8 ½ minute stretch in the third quarter, he lost 2 fumbles and dropped a pass on 4th-and-1 halfback option play that was sure touchdown. His counterpart, Peyton Manning had a fantastic game, completing 18-of-23 passes (78%) for 319 yards and 3 TD's against a defense that had allowed only five touchdowns in it's last seven games. Also, Colt's rookie running back James Munro ran for 114 yards on 28 carries. The Eagles #2 ranked defense mounted almost no pressure on Manning and at the end of the game, had zero sacks. Manning was hit only once all game long.

In the secondary, Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor were torched on many plays as both Colt's starting receivers surpassed over 100 yards through the air. Marvin Harrison finished the game with 6 receptions for 137 yards along with 2 TD's. His counterpart, Reggie Wayne caught 6 passes for 121 yards. Wayne, by the way was chosen in the second round after Frediie Mitchell was drafted #25 overall in the first round of the same draft. Peyton Manning had a passer rating of 158.1, the highest possible according to the NFL's passing rating formula. The Indianapolis Colts were 9 ½ point underdogs, missing numerous starters, but still handed the Eagles a double-digit defeat at the Vet. It was their worst loss of the season. Not many teams win at the Vet. While the Eagles were being man-handled, the rest of the NFC contenders -- the Packers, the Saints and the 49ers -- were all winning.

This loss to the Indianapolis Colts was terrible. It was a total shock. It was a disappointment and total embarassment. How did the Eagles fall to pieces against an average team like the Colts. Hugh Douglas said, "It seemed like they scored at will. We got our butts kicked on our own front porch and it's really embarassing." The loss ended the Eagles three-game winning streak and seven-game home winning streak, dropping their overall record to 6-3, but remained unbeaten in the NFC at 5-0. They are now 1-3 AFC teams. Thank God, the Birds don't play anymore AFC teams this season, unless of course, they make it to the Super Bowl in late January. When it was over, the Eagle players spoke about coming out next week and getting it done. They also noted that they are still in first place, even though the Giants beat the Vikings 27-20. It is only 1 game and they almost always seem to do well after a loss with Andy Reid as head coach. They are 12-1 after a loss. With the Arizona Cardinals up next, everything should work out. Don't worry Eagle fans, the Birds will bounce back, because history says so. The Cards who opened the season 3-2, now are 4-5 with the loss to Seattle yesterday. "It's going to take a little while to get over this one", continued Hugh Douglas. "But we have to."