Editor: Joe Bryant. Game Recap Contributors: Mike Anderson, Michael Brown, Chris Burtt, J.D. Caldwell, David Dodds, Jim Enochs, Joel Faulhaber, Michael Flynn, Kevin Goldblum, Clayton Gray, Bob Harris, Fred Hebert, Jesse Hilsenrad, Drew Kendall, Jeff Lewis, Joey Matusek, Justin Oliver, Steve Prosapio, David Shick, Cody Smith, Scott Smith, Jeffrey Stout. Philadelphia 24 at Tennessee 27 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb is clearly trying to be more of a pocket passer and seemed to run only as a last resort. Duce Staley's playing time could be in danger as Brian Westbrook was used more as the game went on. Dorsey Levens also got some touches, and it seems as if the Eagles are going with a running back by committee approach. The Eagles pass defense numbers do not reflect what they normally would be because Troy Vincent did not play and the Titans were consistently throwing to Derrick Mason. The Eagles lost starting offensive guard Jake Welbourne to a fractured left fibula. Tennessee Titans: Eddie George is back. He displayed the burst and cutting ability that he did not have last year. Although he only ended up with 42 yards rushing, he was the Titans first option in goal line situations. Jevon Kearse broke his left foot and will be out for 6-8 weeks. After he left the game, the Titans pass rush was not as effective against the Eagles and Donovan McNabb was able to spend more time in the pocket. Steve McNair made great decisions during the game despite being pressured on almost every passing down. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Philadelphia Eagles QB: Donovan McNabb showed all of the skills of a player ready for stardom. He was under pressure consistently during the first half and still managed 180 yards and 3 touchdowns. He seems to have an extra zip on his arm, and was determined to stay in the pocket rather than scramble. On one of his interceptions, his arm was deflected. RB: Philadelphia was using a running back by committee. Bryan Westbrook was used almost exclusively during the fourth quarter, even though Duce Staley appeared effective during the first half. Staley also caught five balls for forty-seven yards. WR: James Thrash looked to be Donovan McNabb's number one receiving option, and showed great separation on his touchdown catch. His final stats were not great, but he was often double covered. Antonio Freeman caught most of the balls in the middle of the field, and could be a nice pickup as the season progresses. Freeman led the Eagles in receiving yardage and looks to be ready to contribute sooner than some have anticipated. Todd Pinkston was on the receiving end of three Donovan McNabb passes, and Freddie Mitchell has clearly been lost in the shuffle. He did not even make a reception. TE: Chad Lewis is still Donovan McNabb's "Guy." Three of the Eagles four end zone passes went to Lewis. He dropped one of the passes in the end zone, but showed soft hand on a pattern over the middle of the field. Pass Defense: The Titan's passing attack ate up the Eagle's secondary, although Troy Vincent did not play (bruised knee) so there was a definite opportunity. The Eagles applied constant pressure on Steve McNair during the course of the game. Vincent will likely be back next week. Rush Defense - After appearing weak during the beginning of the game, the defense turned it around and held down Eddie George later. The Titans did appear to have their way with them running in the red zone. Special Teams - The Eagles had one really nice return that was called back with a holding penalty. They played pretty solidly on their coverage and returns. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/** Tennessee Titans QB: Steve McNair looked like a mature quarterback. He showed great poise as the Eagles had a pretty decent pass rush all afternoon. It is clear that Derrick Mason is his favorite target, even ahead of Frank Wycheck. RB: Eddie George's first game will probably draw mixed reviews. While he did have two touchdowns, he also was stopped quite a few times for no gains or very short gains. On his touchdown reception he did make a nice move that showed that he has his movement back. Eddie George looks to be the focal point of the Titan's offense once again. WR: Derrick Mason looked great. He was consistently open over the middle of the field. After Simon fumbled Tennessee's first punt return, Mason was also put in to return punts. He was used all game for this purpose and if this continues it would obviously add to his fantasy value. Kevin Dyson was used sparingly as he only caught two passes for ten yards. For those of you in deeper leagues, Tennessee sent Justin McCareins in for a play at the goal line specifically to throw him a touchdown pass. TE: Frank Wycheck was Steve McNair's security blanket as usual and made a great catch along the sidelines late in the game. Erron Kinney had one reception, but was hardly a factor. Pass Defense - The Titan's secondary was torched in the first half. They were more physical with the Eagle's receivers in the second half, which seemed very effective. The Titan's pass rush was solid and really kept the pressure on Donovan McNabb. Jevon Kearse did leave the game with a broken foot, and will be out six to eight weeks. Kevin Carter seemed to show the burst and moves that made him a star in St. Louis. Rush Defense - The Titan's rushing defense held their own. The Eagles did not seem to favor either side of the defense, and the ability to stop the run seems to be a strength of the Titans. Special Teams - Joe Nedney looked solid as a kicker, and could be a nice pickup as the Titan's offense looks to be solid all around. John Simon fumbled on the first punt return and Derrick Mason was put in to return punts the rest of the game.