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.
"We control our own destiny and that's the main thing. We've got to try to win out and see where the cards fall," said Eagles wide receiver James Thrash, who played with Washington last season before signing with Philadelphia as a free agent.
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. The Eagles have won nine straight road games dating to last season.
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. McNabb went 16 of 34 for 235 yards.
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.
"We're obviously very disappointed in the outcome of this football game," Washington coach Marty Schottenheimer said. "You can look to any number of things, but ultimately our football team did not make the plays we need to make."
Owning a 20-6 lead in the fourth quarter, the Eagles did their best to let Washington back in the game.
With under eight minutes left and Washington down to one timeout, the Eagles decided to put the ball in the air on first down and McNabb was intercepted by veteran Darrell Green at the Redskins' 31.
It was the 19th straight season the 41-year-old Green has had an interception.
Washington picked up one first down on its ensuing possession before the drive stalled at the 21.
It did not take the Eagles long to give Washington another chance to cut into the deficit. On their second play after stopping Washington, the Eagles turned ball over again when veteran end Bruce Smith ripped the ball out Duce Staley's hands at the 28.
Washington quarterback Tony Banks then connected with Michael Westbrook for 27 yards to the one. But after Davis lost one yard, Banks threw an ill-advised pass that Dawkins intercepted in the back of the end zone with 3:21 left.
"I was just trying to give somebody a chance," Banks said. "I had a player in that area. I was just trying to give someone an opportunity. We couldn't use up all the clock to try and score. But I didn't make the right decision."
Dawkins also helped the Eagles protect a 17-6 lead in the third quarter. After Washington reached the Philadelphia 20, Dawkins intercepted Banks at the four and returned the ball 15 yards with 1:46 left in the period.
"We had a blitz called and I knew the ball was going to come out fast," Dawkins said. "He (Banks) looked at Troy (Vincent) and the receiver the whole time and never saw me."
Banks went 17 of 36 for 213 yards and the two interceptions.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Eagles extended the lead, moving 49 yards in nine plays. McNabb had 22-yard completion to Staley and a 23-yard connection with rookie Freddie Mitchell on the march.
David Akers made the drive productive, making a 49-yard field goal with 12:29 left for a 20-6 lead. Akers has made a club-record 16 straight field goals.
The Redskins wasted their first turnover of the contest after defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson intercepted McNabb at the Philadelphia 26.
Washington failed to pick up a first down and Brett Conway's 39-yard field bounced off the right upright.
But Conway redeemed himself with under four minutes left in the first quarter, drilling a 47-yard field goal. The score was set up by Eric Metcalf's 30-yard punt return and Davis' 16-yard run.
