Donovan McNabb can expect some good vibes from the folks in the City of Brotherly Love before his Washington Redskins take on the Eagles on Sunday. Once they kick off, though, Michael Vick will be the local hero and McNabb simply another visiting quarterback the fans in the Linc want to see planted into the turf.
McNabb's outgoing personality, infectious smile and thrilling unpredictability were fine in Philly while he was winning, and he did a lot of winning in his 11 seasons as an Eagle. McNabb was 92-49-1 in the regular season and the Eagles won nine of his 16 playoff games. The problem: None of those postseason victories came in a Super Bowl, and four of the losses were in NFC championship games.
Dealt away - to a division rival, no less - in April, McNabb returns with the Redskins (1-2) on a two-game slide. He's performed well enough for Washington, but not nearly at the level Vick has played in leading the NFC in passing.
So what does McNabb expect?
"Hopefully cheers," he says. "You wouldn't expect me to say I am going to get booed, do you? The past 11 years have been great and thing that is one that you just can't forget.
"There are a lot of people who truly were accepting of the things that I was able to do and respected me as a person and as a player. I do feel like I was appreciated in Philadelphia."
McNabb has never been in the visiting locker room at the Linc.
The quarterback doing the most to the opposition in this matchup has been Vick.
Vick, who has supplanted Kevin Kolb as McNabb's successor and has the Eagles (2-1) atop the NFC East, owes plenty to McNabb. When Vick was signed by Philadelphia last year after being reinstated to the league - he missed two years while serving 18 months in federal prison for dogfighting - McNabb was among his staunchest supporters.
"I hope it's a positive reaction," Vick says of how the fickle Philly fans will greet McNabb. "I hope it's a great reaction and maybe a standing ovation. I think that will be great. Donovan sacrificed a lot for this organization and took them to the playoffs plenty of times and made an appearance in the Super Bowl. He put in his work."
Also today, it's Baltimore at Pittsburgh; Indianapolis at Jacksonville; Carolina at New Orleans; Detroit at Green Bay; Chicago at the New York Giants in a night game; Arizona at San Diego; the New York Jets at Buffalo; San Francisco at Atlanta; Denver at Tennessee; Cincinnati at Cleveland; Houston at Oakland; and Seattle at St. Louis.On Monday night, Miami hosts New England. Kansas City (3-0), Tampa Bay (2-1), Dallas (1-2) and Minnesota (1-2) have byes.
San Francisco (0-3)
at Atlanta (2-1)
The Falcons are soaring after their overtime victory in New Orleans. With the Browns up next week, this is a good time to make strides, something their defense must do for Atlanta to be a true championship contender. The offense, especially NFC receiving leader Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez, looks dynamic.
San Francisco looks disorganized and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye was fired Monday. Preseason favorites for the NFC West crown, the Niners already are desperate.
Houston (2-1)
at Oakland (1-2)
Were the Texans exposed by Dallas last week, or was it just too big a stage for a developing team? A misstep in the Black Hole would bring out all the doubters.
The Raiders still can't believe they lost at Arizona and a win keeps them viable in the AFC West with division games upcoming in three of the next five weeks.
Baltimore (2-1)
at Pittsburgh (3-0)
Anyone who likes brutal, in-the-trenches football needs to pay attention to this AFC North confrontation. The Steelers' defense has resembled the best versions of the Steel Curtain, and an unbeaten record before Ben Roethlisberger returns from a four-game suspension is within reach.
But the Ravens can be just as formidable without the ball, and they relish such matchups. Plus, their more-varied offense seems to have awakened. If running back Ray Rice (bruised right knee) can't go, however, it will put a crimp in that attack.
"It's a respect thing we have playing against each other," Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis says. "It's a rivalry but, once again, it goes back to the level of respect we have."
Indianapolis (2-1) at Jacksonville (1-2)
Here's an ominous thought: Peyton Manning is off to the best start of his 13-year career, which already includes an unprecedented four MVP awards. For the first time, he has three straight games with at least 300 yards passing AND three TD throws. With the emergence of Austin Collie, Manning's receiver corps is as deep and versatile as ever, particularly if Pierre Garcon and Anthony Gonzalez get healthy.
Carolina (0-3)
at New Orleans (2-1)
Just what the Panthers need after their second successive 0-3 start: a trip to the Superdome against the defending league champions who come off blowing a game to Atlanta.
The Saints have not been very regal thus far and easily could be 0-3. Their defense wore down against the Falcons, so if Carolina can get its once-potent running game going, maybe the Panthers can test New Orleans.
Detroit (0-3)
at Green Bay (2-1)
Can any team be angrier with itself than the Packers, who set a club record with 18 penalties on Monday night in handing the game to their archrival, the Bears? Don't look for Green Bay to be so inept or charitable again, but the Packers do need to find a running game. So far, they have gained 759 yards in the air and a paltry 286 on the ground.
Detroit's sieve-like defense (30th overall, last against the run) could make the Packers a healthy bunch.
Chicago (3-0)
at New York Giants (1-2)
OK, if the Packers aren't the angriest team, then it has to be the Giants. They outgained Tennessee by 200 yards and never punted, yet were routed 29-10.
"We are working on our fundamentals," QB Eli Manning says, "just playing smart and having a great understanding of what the concepts are this week and what Chicago is doing defensively."
Chicago is doing plenty defensively. The NFC's only unbeaten team, the Bears are first against the run.
Arizona (2-1)
at San Diego (1-2)
Struggling division winners from 2009 who have undergone massive roster shifts and been damaged by them.
The Cardinals are tied atop the NFC West only because Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski uncharacteristically missed a gimme field goal at the end of last Sunday's game. The visitors miss QB Kurt Warner maybe more than any team misses a departed player, and they will be without WR Steve Breaston this week (knee surgery).
San Diego fell apart on special teams at Seattle and has been spotty at best in two road losses. The Chargers did romp over Jacksonville in their only home game.
New York Jets (2-1)
at Buffalo (0-3)
At least the Bills didn't send Trent Edwards over Niagara Falls in a barrel. They did cut the man who began the season as their starting QB - he's now in Jacksonville - and added to the spiraling sensation in Buffalo.
Ralph Wilson Stadium is not a comfortable place for the Jets, who have looked particularly good on offense the last two weeks as the shackles were removed from second-year quarterback Mark Sanchez. New York is only 4-5 there since the 1999 season, the last time the Bills made the playoffs.
New England (2-1)
at Miami (2-1)
Both teams have been leaky on defense, the Dolphins in critical situations against the Jets last weekend. Each has lost to the Jets, so a victory here is critical to keep pace, especially with New York at weak Buffalo.
Denver (1-2)
at Tennessee (2-1)
It took the Titans until Nov. 8 to win their second game a year ago. They were somewhat gifted No. 2 by the Giants last weekend, but they got RB Chris Johnson back on track. The Titans' secondary will be challenged by the top passing attack, yardage-wise, in the league.
Cincinnati (2-1)
at Cleveland (0-3)
Another defeat, close or otherwise, might send the Mangini countdown into orbit. Browns coach Eric Mangini says he sees progress, but if Cleveland doesn't get some Ws to go along with it, he soon could be watching future progress from elsewhere.
Cincinnati likes nothing better than Ohio Rivalry wins, dating back to the days Paul Brown founded the Bengals years after being fired by the Browns.
Seattle (2-1) at St. Louis (1-2)
After grabbing their first win of the season - it took St. Louis until Nov. 1 to manage a victory in 2009 - the Rams probably will need Steven Jackson in the lineup to have a shot at two in a row. The standout running back is day to day with a groin strain for which he received acupuncture treatments.
NFL INJURY REPORT
NEW YORK (AP) - The National Football League injury report, as provided by the league (OUT - Definitely will not play; DNP - Did not practice; LIMITED - Limited participation in practice; FULL - Full participation in practice):
TODAY
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at ATLANTA FALCONS - 49ERS: DOUBTFUL: WR Ted Ginn Jr. (knee), C Eric Heitmann (fibula). QUESTIONABLE: CB William James (ankle). PROBABLE: S Dashon Goldson (knee, foot), S Michael Lewis (ankle), LB Takeo Spikes (knee). FALCONS: QUESTIONABLE: S Erik Coleman (knee), WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder), LB Sean Weatherspoon (ankle). PROBABLE: CB Brent Grimes (not inury related).
NEW YORK JETS at BUFFALO BILLS - JETS: OUT: T Wayne Hunter (shin), CB Darrelle Revis (hamstring), LB Jamaal Westerman (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: C Nick Mangold (shoulder), LB Calvin Pace (foot). PROBABLE: LB Jason Taylor (elbow), T Damien Woody (not injury related). BILLS: OUT: LB Andra Davis (shoulder), CB Terrence McGee (knee), DE Marcus Stroud (ankle). PROBABLE: LB Paul Posluszny (knee), TE Jonathan Stupar (foot).
BALTIMORE RAVENS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS - RAVENS: OUT: T Jared Gaither (back), LB Tavares Gooden (shoulder), WR Donte' Stallworth (foot). QUESTIONABLE: LB Edgar Jones (thigh), G Tony Moll (hip), DE Cory Redding (head), RB Ray Rice (knee). PROBABLE: C Matt Birk (back), CB Chris Carr (thigh), G Chris Chester (back), TE Todd Heap (shoulder), LB Jarret Johnson (back). STEELERS: OUT: QB Dennis Dixon (knee), G Trai Essex (ankle), NT Chris Hoke (knee).
CAROLINA PANTHERS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - PANTHERS: OUT: T Jeff Otah (knee), LB Jamar Williams (neck). QUESTIONABLE: DE Tyler Brayton (ankle), DE Greg Hardy (foot). PROBABLE: G Mackenzy Bernadeau (shoulder), G Travelle Wharton (ankle). SAINTS: OUT: RB Reggie Bush (fibula). DOUBTFUL: LB Anthony Waters (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: S Roman Harper (hamstring), RB Pierre Thomas (ankle). PROBABLE: S Usama Young (quadricep).
DENVER BRONCOS at TENNESSEE TITANS - BRONCOS: OUT: RB Spencer Larsen (ankle), RB Knowshon Moreno (hamstring), LB Wesley Woodyard (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: CB Andre' Goodman (quadricep), T Ryan Harris (ankle). PROBABLE: S Brian Dawkins (ankle). TITANS: OUT: CB Jason McCourty (forearm). QUESTIONABLE: DT Tony Brown (knee), DE Jacob Ford (knee).
CINCINNATI BENGALS at CLEVELAND BROWNS - BENGALS: OUT: DE Jonathan Fanene (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: DE Antwan Odom (wrist), LB Keith Rivers (foot), WR Jordan Shipley (shoulder). PROBABLE: RB Cedric Benson (knee), CB Adam Jones (shoulder), WR Terrell Owens (back), LB Dan Skuta (ankle). BROWNS: DOUBTFUL: CB Derrick Roberson (hip), T John St. Clair (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: DE Kenyon Coleman (knee), QB Jake Delhomme (ankle), T Shawn Lauvao (ankle), WR Brian Robiskie (hamstring), DT Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip), DE Robaire Smith (back). PROBABLE: LB Marcus Benard (ankle), RB James Davis (thigh), RB Jerome Harrison (thigh), T Joe Thomas (elbow), LB Jason Trusnik (head), RB Lawrence Vickers (groin).
DETROIT LIONS at GREEN BAY PACKERS - LIONS: OUT: RB Aaron Brown (finger), QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder). DOUBTFUL: WR Nate Burleson (ankle), LB DeAndre Levy (groin). QUESTIONABLE: RB Jahvid Best (toe), DT Sammie Hill (ankle). PROBABLE: DE Cliff Avril (knee, finger), S C.C. Brown (forearm), S Louis Delmas (groin, biceps, calf), LB Zack Follett (concussion), CB Chris Houston (knee), LB Landon Johnson (neck), G Stephen Peterman (foot), CB Amari Spievey (illness), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (back). PACKERS: OUT: LB Brandon Chillar (shoulder). DOUBTFUL: CB Sam Shields (calf). QUESTIONABLE: DE Mike Neal (side, rib), S Charlie Peprah (quadricep), LB Brady Poppinga (hamstring). PROBABLE: T Chad Clifton (knee), S Nick Collins (knee), DE Cullen Jenkins (hand), LB Brad Jones (knee), S Derrick Martin (ankle), CB Charles Woodson (toe).
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - COLTS: OUT: LB Kavell Conner (foot), WR Anthony Gonzalez (ankle), S Bob Sanders (biceps). QUESTIONABLE: RB Joseph Addai (knee), RB Donald Brown (hamstring), WR Austin Collie (heel), WR Pierre Garcon (hamstring), T Charlie Johnson (foot), CB Brandon King (hamstring), G Jamey Richard (shoulder), LB Clint Session (hamstring). PROBABLE: LB Gary Brackett (back), CB Jerraud Powers (foot), C Jeff Saturday (knee). JAGUARS: OUT: LB Justin Durant (ankle). DOUBTFUL: S Sean Considine (hamstring). PROBABLE: DT Landon Cohen (knee), CB Rashean Mathis (thigh).
HOUSTON TEXANS at OAKLAND RAIDERS - TEXANS: OUT: LB Kevin Bentley (knee). DOUBTFUL: S Eugene Wilson (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), LB Darryl Sharpton (ankle). PROBABLE: LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), LB DeMeco Ryans (quadricep), DE Mario Williams (groin). RAIDERS: OUT: LB Ricky Brown (hamstring), G Robert Gallery (hamstring), LB Travis Goethel (back), CB Walter McFadden (hamstring), WR Chaz Schilens (knee). QUESTIONABLE: S Hiram Eugene (hamstring), DT John Henderson (foot), WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (groin), CB Chris Johnson (neck, ankle), WR Louis Murphy (collarbone), DE Richard Seymour (hamstring), CB Jeremy Ware (ankle). PROBABLE: RB Michael Bush (thumb), G Cooper Carlisle (knee), LB Quentin Groves (ribs), G Daniel Loper (knee), TE Zach Miller (hip), RB Marcel Reece (neck), T Langston Walker (elbow).
ARIZONA CARDINALS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS - CARDINALS: OUT: WR Steve Breaston (knee), WR Early Doucet (groin). QUESTIONABLE: LB Paris Lenon (pelvis). PROBABLE: G Alan Faneca (back), RB Beanie Wells (knee). CHARGERS: OUT: LB Larry English (foot). DOUBTFUL: LB Shawne Merriman (calf), S Darrell Stuckey (hamstring), G Louis Vasquez (knee). PROBABLE: G Kris Dielman (illness), RB Ryan Mathews (elbow), LB Brandon Siler (foot).
WASHINGTON REDSKINS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - REDSKINS: OUT: DT Anthony Bryant (head). QUESTIONABLE: LB Lorenzo Alexander (ankle), WR Anthony Armstrong (groin), P Josh Bidwell (hip), CB DeAngelo Hall (back), DT Albert Haynesworth (thumb), S Chris Horton (ankle), G Kory Lichtensteiger (knee), RB Clinton Portis (wrist), RB Keiland Williams (ankle), T Trent Williams (knee, toe). EAGLES: QUESTIONABLE: G Nick Cole (knee). PROBABLE: TE Brent Celek (wrist), DE Brandon Graham (ankle), T Austin Howard (back), WR Jeremy Maclin (back).
CHICAGO BEARS at NEW YORK GIANTS - BEARS: OUT: T Chris Williams (hamstring), S Major Wright (hamstring). PROBABLE: G Roberto Garza (knee), S Chris Harris (neck), DT Israel Idonije (foot). GIANTS: OUT: T William Beatty (foot), DE Mathias Kiwanuka (neck), C Shaun O'Hara (ankle, Achilles). DOUBTFUL: LB Keith Bulluck (toe). QUESTIONABLE: DT Rocky Bernard (back), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee). PROBABLE: LB Chase Blackburn (knee), LB Phillip Dillard (hamstring), WR Mario Manningham (concussion), WR Darius Reynaud (illness).
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at ST. LOUIS RAMS - SEAHAWKS: DOUBTFUL: DE E.J. Wilson (knee). QUESTIONABLE: T Sean Locklear (knee), DT Brandon Mebane (calf), CB Marcus Trufant (ankle). PROBABLE: DE Chris Clemons (ankle), LB Aaron Curry (hamstring), G Ben Hamilton (knee), T Russell Okung (ankle), WR Mike Williams (shoulder). RAMS: OUT: TE Billy Bajema (knee), LB Chris Chamberlain (toe), TE Michael Hoomanawanui (ankle), DT Clifton Ryan (migraine), DT Darell Scott (ankle). DOUBTFUL: WR Laurent Robinson (foot), S Darian Stewart (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: S Oshiomogho Atogwe (thigh), RB Steven Jackson (groin). PROBABLE: S Craig Dahl (head), RB Keith Toston (shoulder). MONDAY
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at MIAMI DOLPHINS - PATRIOTS: DNP: T Nick Kaczur (back), RB Fred Taylor (toe), CB Terrence Wheatley (foot). FULL: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder). DOLPHINS: DNP: LB Channing Crowder (groin), G John Jerry (illness), DT Jared Odrick (ankle). FULL: T Jake Long (knee).