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NFC NEWS ‘N’ NOTES
EAGLES SOARING AS STEELERS AWAIT With the first Sunday of November looming, a plethora of intriguing matchups fill the Week 9 NFL calendar. Perhaps none is bigger – especially to the people of Pennsylvania – than the showdown between the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles and their cross-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers enter the contest after a resounding 34-20 win over New England, ending the Patriots’ NFL record streak of 21 consecutive regular-season and playoff victories. To the east in Philadelphia, the Eagles are 7-0 for the first time ever, following a 15-10 win against Baltimore. The perfect start is due in no small part to Philadelphia’s game-breaking wide receiver TERRELL OWENS.Owens’ first season in Philadelphia has helped the Eagles become as one of the NFL’s dominant offensive teams. Philly ranks fifth in the league with 186 points scored, fourth in passing yards per game (267.0), and seventh in total offense (374.0). Owens’ individual play has been similarly impressive. In seven games, he has posted 42 receptions for 697 yards and an NFL-high nine touchdowns. His five consecutive 100-yard receiving games are a franchise record. He had his fifth 100-yard game last week with 101 yards on eight catches, including an 11-yard touchdown. A closer look at Owens’ numbers through the season’s first seven games:
"We obviously know that we can play better," says Owens. "The season is long, and it’s not always going to go as you like. There’s going to be some ups and downs and every game is not going to be won by a lot of points. There are going to be some close game. We pride ourselves in playing four quarters and coming out with a ‘W’." Owens is steadily making his mark among the game’s all-time receiving greats. In only his ninth season, he is tied with MARVIN HARRISON for sixth place in NFL history in receiving touchdowns. The all-time leaders in the category.
* Active; ** Pro Football Hall of Famer As any wide receiver can attest, the quarterback plays a large role in the success of the passing game. In Philadelphia, DONOVAN MC NABB is off to the most prolific start of his already impressive six-year career. McNabb’s 102.9 passer rating ranks fifth in the NFL and he has tossed 14 touchdown passes with only three interceptions. But maybe the most important statistic of all is the team record – 7-0. With the victory over Baltimore on Sunday, McNabb improved his career record to 50-21 (.704), reaching 50 wins the fourth fastest since 1970. A look at the quarterbacks with the fewest starts to 50 wins (began career since 1970):
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