Donovan McNabb threw for one touchdown and ran for another, DeSean Jackson had 140 yards catching the ball and the Eagles beat the San Francisco 49ers 27-13 to secure a spot in the NFL playoffs for the eighth time this decade.
None of the previous seven has been a victory in Super Bowl
though.
"It's always good to secure a place early, but we will not release the pedal," McNabb said.
"It's an exciting time, but nothing that we have to enlarge. One of our goals is to have a week off and win the NFC East and the only time that happens, you win our last two games. "
With the defeat of San Farncisco, the Arizona Cardinals secured their second title in the NFC West in a row.
The Eagles (10-4) have won five straight games and have a game ahead of Dallas in the NFC East. Philadelphia overlooking the Cowboys in two weeks where one could dispute the championship of that division.
The start of play was delayed by three hours because the city was recovering from the second biggest snowfall on record since 1884. A total of 23.2 inches of snow fell over Philadelphia on Saturday.
It looked so bad in the Lincoln Financial Field until some fans began throwing snowballs in the fourth quarter. Once LeSean McCoy scored a touchdown from 2 yards to put the game 27-13 for the Eagles, some of the frozen fans were throwing snow into the air like celebrating.
Some others pointed their snowballs to the Niners fans, but were RAPD controlled by stadium security.
"We need not throw snowballs," coach Andy Reid. "We're decent people here in Philadelphia. Leave that to the parking lot. "
Frank Gore rushed for 107 yards, becoming the first player to surpass 100 yards against the Eagles in 24 games. But the 49ers (6-8) could not overcome the three interceptions thrown by Alex Smith.
McNabb completed 21 out of 36 for 306 yards. He threw two interceptions to become only the second time this season.
"There were some passes that definitely should not have done," said McNabb. "It is characteristic of me, forcing the ball."
Down on the marker 20.3 at halftime, the 49ers scored 10 points to close quickly on the scoreboard. Josh Morgan returned the kickoff 52 yards in the third period, but the offense failed to convert six points and Joe Nedney kicked a 25-yard field goal.
Then, Dré Bly intercepted a pass from McNabb in double coverage. This time, the Niners took advantage. Smith connected with Morgan on a 12-yard pass to cut to 20-13.
The Eagles marched 89 yards later and went up 27-13 on a run from McCoy early in the fourth quarter.
Coming off a stunning victory over Arizona on Monday Night, the 49ers wore tired after a short week and a trip from coast to coast. But the Eagles were not so successful this afternoon.
It's obviously not our best performance, "said San Francisco coach Mike Singletary. "We came here with the purpose of making all the right things but it was not the end."
