LANDOVER, Md., Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Safety Brian Dawkins had a pair of interceptions deep in Washington territory in the second half Sunday to help push the Philadelphia Eagles closer to their first NFC East title in 13 years with a 20-6 victory over the Redskins.
Sparked by a defense that forced four turnovers, Philadelphia (9-4) moved three games ahead of Washington and the New York Giants in the division with three games to play.
The big plays on defense were needed for the Eagles, who overcame four turnovers by their offense. Washington failed to convert any of those miscues into points.
Dawkins led the defensive charge with an interception inside the Washington five late in the third quarter and another in the end zone with just over four minutes remaining in the contest. Last Sunday, Dawkins scored on a 48-yard fumble return against San Diego.
Philadelphia, which improved to 6-0 on the road, has been dominating on defense away from Veterans Stadium, allowing just 38 points and two touchdowns.
Donovan McNabb overcame a career-worst three interceptions by throwing a pair of touchdown passes, including a 62-yard connection in the third quarter to Todd Pinkston that gave Philadelphia a 17-6 lead.
Stephen Davis rushed for 111 yards for the Redskins (6-7), who have lost two of their last three games after becoming the first team in NFL history to win five straight games following an 0-5 start.
The Redskins, who posted a 13-3 victory at Philadelphia earlier this season, saw their playoff hopes come to a virtual end. Washington plays two of its last three games at home, but trails New Orleans (7-5) by 1 1/2 games for the third and final NFC wild card spot.
