New Orleans ? The Philadelphia Eagles looked like a team ready to shake off the disappointment of losing in the 2002 NFC Championship game and challenge for a third straight NFC East title, beating the New Orleans Saints, 27-17, Monday night.

Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb spent just over 3 minutes on the field, taking the Eagles 75 yards to score on the game’s opening series. McNabb was 5-for-5 passing for 58 yards. He hit Freddie Mitchell with a 29-yard touchdown pass, putting Philadelphia up 7-0.

Koy Detmer replaced McNabb and was 6-of-9 for 51 yards with an interception and A.J. Feeley was 11-of-18 for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Philadelphia was without running back Duce Staley, who has been holding out.

The Eagles bagged field goals of 29 and 49 yards from David Akers, and Lito Sheppard had an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Feeley hit Kori Dickerson for a 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter to make it 27-3.

Jerome McDougle, Philadelphia’s No. 1 draft pick, had four unassisted tackles and a sack.