SAN FRANCISCO — Koy Detmer's first start in three years began and ended with an ungainly fall.
In between those tumbles, Detmer made enough big plays to propel Philadelphia to an impressive win — and prove that no matter who's healthy enough to play quarterback, the Eagles are good enough to keep winning.
Filling in tremendously for Donovan McNabb, Detmer passed for 227 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another score before leaving with a dislocated left elbow late in the Eagles' 38-17 win over San Francisco on Monday night.
Before he was carted off, the Eagles' entire bench emptied onto the field to wish him well along with the Niners' defense.
"It meant a lot to me," Detmer said. "I was in pain and disappointed at the same time. It was an incredible night up to that point. That was a great show of sportsmanship on (San Francisco's) part. They showed me a lot of respect."
Nobody will know how long Detmer will be out, but third-stringer A.J. Feeley, who finished for Detmer, expects to start Sunday against St. Louis.