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Eagles beat Carolina behind Garcia

Backup quarterback Jeff Garcia, who was called to the helm after All-Star Donovan McNabb suffered a season ending injury, carried the Eagles Monday to a 27-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Garcia threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions as the Eagles evened their record at 6-6. It was the first time the team has won without McNabb, and keeps them in playoff contention.

The Panthers, also 6-6 this season, had a 24-17 lead in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Garcia`s touchdown pass to wide receiver Reggie Brown and an interception by the Panthers` Delhomme that led to a 25-yard field goal with 3 minutes 13 seconds left turned the game over. The Panthers had one more chance to tie the game, but another interception by Delhomme, his second of the day, with 25 seconds remaining helped the Eagles walk away with the important win.

McNabb underwent surgery last week for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, which he suffered during a loss to the Tennessee Titans. He will miss between 8 and 12 months of action. Coach Andy Reid has decided to go with the former 49er Jeff Garcia as his replacement, and finally got what he wanted.