Eagles Bounce Back From Humiliation

PHILADELPHIA — When Detroit Lion kicker Jason Hanson sized up a potential game-winning 58-yard field goal with 31 seconds left, Philadelphia Eagle fans were probably thinking, “C’mon, give us a break.”

Less than six days after one of the most humiliating losses in the team’s history, good fortune smiled on the Eagles on Sunday. Hanson’s kick fell about five yards short, and Philadelphia held on for a 10-9 victory over the Detroit Lions.

“I might be able to get a few hours sleep,” said Eagle Coach Ray Rhodes, who has been under intense pressure since an embarrassing 34-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last Monday night. “But only a few hours.”

Hanson, who had three field goals for the Lions’ only points, missed his game-winning attempt after the Lions (2-7) committed four penalties in their final drive. Without those penalties, Hanson probably would have attempted a field goal within his range.

Detroit Coach Bobby Ross, whose team was expected to contend for a playoff spot this season, was furious.

“For us to play like that, particularly at the end, is embarrassing to me and it should be embarrassing to them,” Ross said. “I’ve been a coach for 35 years, and I’m sick and tired of seeing that kind of stuff.”

The Eagles (2-7) were happy for any help they could get--and got some from running backs Charlie Garner and Duce Staley against the league’s sixth-best defense against the run.

Garner scored the Eagles’ only touchdown on a three-yard run and had a career-high 129 yards in 16 carries. Staley had 89 yards in 17 carries.

The Lions’ Barry Sanders had 140 yards in 20 carries to go over 1,000 yards for an NFL-record 10th consecutive season.