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In 2002, the Philadelphia Eagles’ West Coast offense, orchestrated by head coach Andy Reid, was a finely tuned machine that blended precision passing with a versatile rushing attack, propelling the team to a 12-4 record and an NFC Championship appearance. Reid, in his fourth year as head coach and play-caller, adapted the West Coast system—rooted in short, timing-based passes and rhythm—to suit his roster, particularly quarterback Donovan McNabb. The offense ranked ninth in the NFL, scoring 415 points (25.9 points per game), a testament to its efficiency and explosiveness despite challenges like McNabb’s late-season injury.
Donovan McNabb was the engine of the offense, throwing for 2,289 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 10 starts before a broken ankle in Week 11 sidelined him. His dual-threat ability (460 rushing yards, 6 TDs) added dynamism to Reid’s scheme, which emphasized quick slants, crossing routes, and play-action. Backup quarterbacks Koy Detmer and A.J. Feeley filled in admirably, combining for 1,256 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions to keep the offense afloat. Wide receiver Todd Pinkston led receivers with 60 catches for 798 yards and 7 touchdowns, while James Thrash added 52 receptions for 635 yards and 6 scores. Tight end Chad Lewis was a reliable target, hauling in 42 catches for 398 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The running game, a critical component of Reid’s balanced approach, was powered by Duce Staley, who rushed for 1,029 yards and 5 touchdowns, while catching 51 passes for 541 yards and 3 scores. Brian Westbrook, a rookie, emerged as a change-of-pace back with 193 rushing yards and 86 receiving yards, hinting at his future stardom. The offensive line, anchored by Pro Bowl tackle Tra Thomas and guard John Welbourn, provided stellar protection and run-blocking, enabling the Eagles to amass 1,874 rushing yards (4.2 yards per carry). Reid’s playbook leaned on zone runs, screens, and misdirection to complement the passing game, with a focus on spreading defenses thin.
A standout performance came in Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts, a 35-13 rout where McNabb threw for 219 yards and 3 touchdowns before his injury. The offense also shone in a 38-17 Week 5 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Staley rushing for 126 yards and McNabb accounting for 3 total touchdowns. Post-McNabb, Feeley led a critical 27-20 win over the New York Giants in Week 15, throwing for 237 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles’ offense carried them to the NFC Championship, but they fell 27-10 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the passing game struggled (Feeley: 137 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT) against a ferocious defense.
The 2002 season highlighted Reid’s mastery of the West Coast offense, adapting it to McNabb’s mobility and a robust running game while navigating quarterback adversity. The Eagles’ balance—25.9 points per game with a top-10 rushing attack—made them a formidable unit, setting the stage for future deep playoff runs. For Philadelphia, 2002 was a showcase of Reid’s strategic flexibility, cementing his reputation as one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds.