2 quick touchdowns give Eagles 14-3 lead over Giants in 2nd quarter of Sunday night game

McNabb TD pass helps Eagles lead Giants 14-3, 2Q

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Donovan McNabb threw an 8-yard touchdown pass and Sheldon Brown scored on a 60-yard fumble return in the opening 5:20 as the Philadelphia Eagles took a 14-3 lead over the New York Giants in their showdown for first place in the NFC East on Sunday night.

Coupled with Dallas’ loss to San Diego earlier Sunday, the Eagles (8-4) came into the game knowing a win over New York (7-5) would put them in sole possession of first place in the division.

Andy Reid’s team came out looking to take advantage.

The Eagles, who crushed the Giants 40-17 a month ago, took the opening kickoff and went 67 yards in six plays with McNabb hitting tight end Brent Celek on a screen pass for the touchdown.

Michael Vick provided the big play, connecting with DeSean Jackson on a 32-yard pass to the New York 7.

Less than two minutes later, defensive end Trent Cole stripped the ball from halfback Brandon Jacobs on a play from the Philadelphia 44. The ball hit off the foot of Giants tight end Kevin Boss, popped in the air to Brown, who went untouched for his fifth career defensive touchdown, tying an Eagles’ record.

While Brown was trotting into the end zone, a couple of Giants and Eagles exchanged shoves in front of the New York bench.

Lawrence Tynes kicked a 26-yard field goal to get New York on the board with 2:27 left, capping a 15-play, 77-yard drive that took more than seven minutes. An 18-yard pass from Eli Manning to Boss gave New York a first-and-goal at the Eagles 9, but the next three plays netted a yard.