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Eagles can clinch fifth NFC East title in last six seasons

Dec 31, 2006 - 5:27 PM Atlanta (7-8) at Philadelphia (9-6) Sunday 4:15 pm ESTPHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - The Philadelphia Eagles are in aposition that not many people expected them to be in whenDonovan McNabb was lost for the season. With a win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the Eagles would clinch their fifth NFC East title in the last six seasons. The Eagles also would win the division if Dallas loses at home to Detroit.While the Eagles already have secured at least a wild-card berth, the Falcons have no chance to make the playoffs. Atlanta was eliminated when the New York Giants won at Washington on Saturday night.The Eagles were not given much of a chance of reaching theplayoffs after McNabb suffered a torn ACL in his right knee onNovember 19.Three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Jeff Garcia has stepped in forMcNabb and played at an extremely high level, going 4-1 as thestarter. He has completed 62.2 percent (115-of-185) of hispasses for 1,280 yards and 10 touchdowns with two interceptions."It's real exciting for this team to have come together likethey're coming together and just playing all out from top tobottom," Garcia said. "There's not a single guy who's notputting everything out there during the week of preparation andthen following through on game day."The Eagles also have been sparked by speedy running back BrianWestbrook, who has amassed 1,884 yards (1,214 rushing, 670receiving) from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.Garcia threw for 238 yards and a touchdown and Westbrook rushedfor 122 yards as the Eagles seized control of the division witha convincing 23-7 victory at Dallas last Monday.Things have gone in a completely opposite direction for theFalcons, who have lost six of their last eight games following a5-2 start.This could mark the final game for Falcons coach Jim Mora Jr.,who is in his third season. Falcons owner Arthur Blank saidearlier this year that a a losing record at the end of theseason would be "unacceptable." Last week, the Falcons surrendered 183 rushing yards in a 10-3 loss to Carolina. Michael Vick struggled against the Panthers, completing 9-of-20passes for 109 yards and two interceptions. He did rush for 32yards, becoming the first quarterback in league history to surpass 1,000 yards.Atlanta has played well away from home, posting a 4-3 record.The Falcons will not have wide receiver Ashley Lelie for the regular-season finale. Lelie suffered a shoulder injury lastweek.The teams met in a Monday game to open last season in Atlantawith the Falcons emerging with a 14-10 victory. The contestfeatured a pregame fight between Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and Falcons cornerback Kevin Mathis.