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Eagles in a Nutshell (phillyBurbs.com) | Philadelphia Eagles

WHAT HAPPENED: Not only did quarterback Donovan McNabb make his preseason debut Friday night, but the Eagles' first-team defense finally showed up, too. The defense, which looked awful last week in Baltimore, came to play against the Panthers. They limited Carolina to just five first downs and 101 yards total offense in the opening two quarters. Lito Sheppard, out last week due to injury, returned an interception 40 yards for a TD in the second quarter, and defensive end Juqua Thomas, subbing for starter Jevon Kearse, had a sack and forced a fumble.

WHY IT HAPPENED: See above. McNabb was nearly flawless in his first action since blowing out his knee last November against the Titans. He went 6-for-9 for 138 yards and led the Eagles to 10 quick points. The first-team defense did the rest.

WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW: Kicker David Akers booted a 52-yarder to cap the Eagles' first possession of the game, then added a 51-yarder in the third. Akers' last four field goals of 50 yards or more have been in the preseason. Since 2004, he has more,50-yard field goals in the preseason (five) than the regular season (three). ... The start of the second half was delayed due to lightning. ... Wide receiver Kevin Curtis caught a pass on the Eagles' first play from scrimmage for the second straight game. ... Eagles linebacker Matt McCoy and Panthers running back DeShaun Foster were teammates at Tustin High School in California. ... Guard Max Jean-Gilles started in place of injured Shawn Andrews. ... The win was onesided, but far from the most lopsided home win in Eagles' preseason history. Back in 1935 the Birds downed West Chester State College, 35-0.

KEARSE OUT: The Eagles' defensive end was easily the most surprising name on the inactive list Friday night. Kearse, who is recovering from knee surgery, suffered some swelling in the same knee before the game and was held out.

QUOTEABLE: Juqua Thomas on the performance of the defense last night: “We just had to come out and establish what we were about, physical defense. We just had to come out and play ball tonight.”

INACTIVES: Besides Kearse, quarterback Kelly Holcomb (knee), wide receiver Billy Sampy (quad), safety Brian Dawkins (Achilles), cornerback Dustin Fox (Achilles), linebacker Dedrick Roper (foot), guard Shawn Andrews (ankle), tight end L.J. Smith (sports hernia), and defensive tackle Ian Scott (knee) did not play due to injuries.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The Eagles don't play again until Sunday, Aug. 26, when they travel to Pittsburgh for their annual preseason matchup with the Steelers.

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