Week 1 Game Recap: Philadelphia Eagles 24, Houston Texans 10

What you need to know

Philadelphia Eagles

McNabb had a phenomenal first week, completing 24 of 35 passing attempts, including three touchdown passes. 141 of his 314 passing yards were thrown to Donte Stallworth, who seems to be his new favorite receiver. He found Stallworth early and often, and connected with him for the Eagles’ first touchdown of the season. McNabb only had one blemish on his stat line this week, a Jason Simmons’ interception of a pass that was intended for Stallworth. Other than that, McNabb completed his passes with pin point accuracy and propelled the Eagles to their first win of the season.

Brian Westbrook’s injury riddled preseason was not a factor in his game today. He was targeted nine times in the passing game, and was able to compile 122 total rushing and receiving yards, which included a 31 yard screen touchdown reception that put the Eagles up 21-10. He ran very well, especially when he was able to break it to the outside, where he racked up most of his rushing yards.

Donte Stallworth had a huge outing in his first game as an Eagle, tying his career high in receiving yards with 141. He also connected on a 42 yard touchdown pass from McNabb in the second quarter. Stallworth brought the team inside the Texans’ five yard line, which set up a Reggie Brown touchdown to take the lead right before half. Stallworth showed blazing speed and spectacular hands throughout the game, providing McNabb with a dependable number one receiver.

Houston Texans

David Carr started off well, taking the Texans down the field on their opening driving and delivering a strike to Eric Moulds for the game’s first touchdown. However, after that drive there was little positive to say about Carr’s performance. He was able to finish the game with 208 yards and no interceptions. Carr favored Eric Moulds and Andre Johnson, targeting them both seven times.

Eric Moulds started the season by catching a 25 yard touchdown pass, and was able to finish the game with six catches for 68 total yards. He was targeted seven times, mainly on short cross routes across the middle of the field.

Although Andre Johnson did not score a touchdown, he did surpass the 100 yard receiving mark, catching six passes for 101 yards. Johnson’s big play was a 44 yard reception along the sideline which set up the Texans for a field goal in the second quarter.

What you ought to know

QB Donovan McNabb, Pass: 24 - 35 - 314 - 3 TD / 1 INT, Rush: 4 - 7 - 0

McNabb started off slowly, throwing an interception mid way through the first quarter, but was able to redeem himself by coming out the next drive and airing it out to Donte Stallworth for a 42 yard touchdown. McNabb also demonstrated his rushing ability when he scrambled during the two minute drill and picked up the first down. McNabb was given plenty of protection, and made pin-point accurate passes moving his team down the field.

RB Brian Westbrook, Rush: 17 - 71 - 0, Rec: 4 - 61 - 1 (10 targets)

After an average first half, Westbrook was a major factor in the Eagles’ first drive of the second half, getting the ball on all but one play, and compiling a total of 70 yards, including a 31 yard touchdown reception. He showed explosive speed and an ability to elude defenders marching down the field and into the end zone. Westbrook continued to carry the Eagles’ load until the end of the game, making the Texans’ run defense appear sub-par. Westbrook picked up a number of important first downs to keep drives going and keep the Eagles in control of the game. As expected, he was one of McNabb’s favorite targets seeing ten passes come his way. He finished the game with 71 rushing yards, 61 receiving yards and a touchdown

RB Correll Buckhalter, Rush: 8 - 50 - 0, Rec: 1 - -1 - 0 (1 targets)

Buckhalter had only eight carries, but managed 50 years, primarily as a third down back. He was able keep drives alive, picking up a couple of first downs. Buckhalter was effective in his role, coming in and running hard in between the tackles to help the Eagles offense keep the Texans’ defense on their heels. Buckhalter showed his power on a 20 yard run where he broke three tackles and kept a drive alive by picking up a first down.

RB Thomas Tapeh, Rush: 1 - 2 - 0, Rec: 2 - 13 - 0 (2 targets)

Thomas Tapeh saw limited action, catching just two passes and rushing for one yard.

WR Donte Stallworth, Rec: 6 - 141 - 1 (9 targets)

Stallworth made his present felt early, catching passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. Stallworth delivered everything the Eagles hoped he would, demonstrating great hands and blazing speed to stretch the field. Stallworth and McNabb were able to generate chemistry as the game went on, connecting on big plays at crucial points of the game. Stallworth had a slower second half with only two catches for 17 yards; however he was still able to set a career high in receiving yards in his Eagles debut.

WR Greg Lewis, Rec: 3 - 24 - 0 (3 targets)

Lewis saw just three passes today; however he was able to catch all three of them for 24 yards.

WR Reggie Brown, Rec: 2 - 20 - 1 (6 targets)

Brown now has to be considered the second receiver behind Stallworth, but he was targeted in the red zone and was able to make a crucial touchdown reception in the closing seconds of the first half. Brown finished the game with just two catches for 20 yards.

WR Hank Baskett (1 targets)

Baskett was able to get separation on the goal line, but did not spot the ball in time to make a completion.

TE L.J. Smith, Rec: 6 - 56 - 0 (6 targets)

L.J. Smith made a phenomenal reception on a third down play to keep the drive going. He caught every ball thrown to him for a total of 56 yards.

TE Matt Schobel (1 targets)

Schobel was targeted once but was the pass was short and he was unable to make the completion.

PK David Akers 1 - 1 FG, 3 - 3 XP, 6 points

Akers converted three extra points, and two field goals, including a 42 yard field goal that bounced off the right goal post and through the uprights.

PHI Rush Defense

The Eagles’ run defense did not allow the Texans’ offense to generate much of a running game, holding them to just 70 total rushing yards. A key play for this defense was holding the Texans to a field goal after surrendering a 44 yard reception to put the Texans at a first and goal.

PHI Pass Defense

The Eagles’ pass defense seemed suspect, at best, on the first drive of the 2006 season. They allowed Carr to complete his first five passes, and at times took three or four defenders to bring down a Texans’ receiver. After making adjustments, the Eagles were able to shut down David Carr and limit the Texans’ offense to just 94 total yards in the second half.

QB David Carr, Pass: 18 - 27 - 208 - 1 TD / 0 INT, Rush: 4 - 25 - 0

Carr came out firing, completing his first four attempts on the opening drive, and capped it off by rolling out and delivering a strike on the run to newly acquired Eric Moulds for a 25 yard touchdown. The Texans’ line provided him with protection, and Carr showed what he is capable of when he has time to set up in the pocket. Carr escaped pressure multiple times and found an open receiver. Carr looked like a rejuvenated quarterback in the first half, making good decisions and stretching the field on a couple of long pass plays. The second half of the game was a different story. The run game was not able to generate any offense, and Carr was not able to move the ball against the stingy Eagles’ defense. Carr returned to his 2005 form, mustering only 44 passing yards in the second half. On a positive note, Carr showed his scrambling ability on many plays in the fourth quarter when he was able to pick up the first down using his legs.

RB Wali Lundy, Rush: 11 - 32 - 0, Rec: 2 - -1 - 0 (3 targets)

Lundy had a very disappointing first half, rushing for just five yards on six carries. If you factor in his receiving yards, he had no total yards in the first half of the game. Although Lundy improved in the second half, he only finished the game with 32 yards on 11 carries, a disappointing season debut.

RB Vernand Morency, Rush: 5 - 13 - 0, Rec: 1 - 6 - 0 (1 targets)

Morency was not able to find much running room during the time that he played. Morency was brought in primarily to spell Lundy, but did get most of the carries on a couple of drives.

RB Jameel Cook, Rec: 1 - 0 - 0 (1 targets)

Cook was able to catch the only ball that came his way for no gain

WR Eric Moulds, Rec: 6 - 68 - 1 (7 targets)

Moulds caught all three balls that came his way in the first half of his new season with the Texans, including a 25 yard touchdown. He looks sharp and appears to have the role of the possession receiver in the re-vamped Texans’ offense. Moulds was able to finish with 68 yards and one touchdown.

WR Andre Johnson, Rec: 6 - 101 - 0 (7 targets)

Johnson had a great first half, making four catches for 83 yard, including a 44 yard reception along the side line that set up the Texans for a first and goal. Carr mainly used Johnson as his deep play receiver, catching most of his passes on fly patterns or deep outs. Johnson was able to catch six of the seven passes that came his way today and ended the day with 101 yards.

WR Kevin Walter, Rec: 1 - 8 - 0 (1 targets)

Walter saw just one pass come his way today. He was able to make the grab for eight yards

TE Jeb Putzier, Rec: 1 - 26 - 0 (6 targets)

Putzier was targeted six times throughout the game; however he was only able to make one catch for 26 yards. He was impressive running with the ball after the catch; it took a number of Eagles to bring him down.

TE Owen Daniels (1 targets)

Daniels was targeted just one time in the home opener for the Texans, but was unable to make the completion.

PK Kris Brown 1 - 1 FG, 1 - 1 XP, 4 points

Brown made a 24 yard field goal attempt, and converted on his only extra point opportunity.

HOU Rush Defense

The Texans’ rush defense did little to hold back the Eagles’ rushing attack. Although they did not allow a touchdown, they gave up 130 yards on the ground, 71 of which went to Brian Westbrook.

HOU Pass Defense

After the interception by Jason Simmons, the Texans’ pass defense could only be described as helpless facing the onslaught of Donovan McNabb and the Eagles, allowing him to throw for 314 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.