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So, following practice Saturday at the Eagles' NovaCare Complex, none of linebacker Moise Fokou's teammates told him to calm his enthusiasm as he talked about the NFC East showdown against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field.
Fokou, an All-Atlantic Coast Conference linebacker at the University of Maryland last year, never went to a Redskins football game and now his first visit to the stadium will be as a player in the Eagles' first nationally televised game of the season.
"I remember talking to a couple of my buddies there and they said, 'Man, a Monday night game is the next best thing to being in the Super Bowl' because we are the only game that night," Fokou said.
" Everybody in the whole country will be watching, so they say it's electrifying. I hope it's everything that they say."
The Eagles are 11-7 on Monday night games under coach Andy Reid, who has benefited from quarterback Donovan McNabb playing solid in front of the nation.
Following last week's awful 13-9 loss to the Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia (3-2) needs McNabb to play super again against a Redskins team that's 2-4 and in total disarray after losing to previously winless Kansas City in Landover, 14-6 last week.
The Detroit Lions snapped their 19-game losing streak with a 19-14 win over Washington in Week 4.
But the sorry tale of the Redskins' season is not something the Eagles have dwelled on, especially considering the Eagles have their own woes, caused by a rash of injuries and inconsistency on both sides of the ball in both of their defeats.
A good win can cure a lot, especially after a bad loss and against a division foe, the first of three straight the Eagles will meet as they enter into the meat of their schedule.
"You don't want the tough loss that you had last week but at the same time we understand that we are playing the Washington Redskins," Reid said. "It doesn't matter what our record is or what their record is. I think that it's both [teams'] intention [to win], and that's what makes it such a great game."
Fokou is ready. So too is rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who made more of an impact in one game than Fokou has in five games.
Monday is the perfect opportunity for Maclin to show the country his talent level.
"I know it's a big deal," Maclin said. "I know the history of it. I'm just excited to be playing in the NFL.
"Hopefully, we can put on a good show for everybody."
It's not a must-win situation for the Eagles, but it's an important game to build momentum and to prove that last week's loss to the Raiders was just a matter of playing down to the low level of the opponent.
Practice was intense all week.
"All in all we look forward to the challenge of playing the Washington Redskins, a very competitive NFC East opponent and rival," Reid said. "Great atmosphere, Monday Night Football, and I know our guys have prepared hard this week and they look forward again to that challenge of playing the Redskins."
It could be the playmakers' night to shine. McNabb has played in 15 Monday Night Football games and has averaged 221 yards passing with 17 touchdowns. He's also rushed for 415 yards and eight scores.
Last week, McNabb was sacked six times and may see a lot of Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth in his face, if the Eagles' offensive line does not block better.
"If he's not the best, he is certainly one of the best defensive tackles in the National Football League and I would like to see the person who is better," Reid said. "He is very, very big and very strong, and he can move around very well. He is a challenge."
Perfect for Monday Night Football.
andre.wiliams@mcall.com
610-820-529
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