One of the most pleasant surprises of the Bengals' season has been linebacker Armegis Spearman.

        The only undrafted rookie free agent to make the team has started 10 games, and depending on the health of veteran Adrian Ross, might start his 11th Sunday in Philadelphia.

        Spearman is fourth on the team with 60 tackles on defense and has four more on special teams.

        He replaced veteran Brian Simmons at middle linebacker when Simmons tore cartilage in the opener.

        “With the situation I kind of stumbled into, I couldn't have really asked for more out of my rookie season,” said Spearman, 22. “It was fun, and it was challenging at times, but it was fun. At the beginning it was a little hectic, but after a while it settled down to where I could make some plays.”

        After the final game, Spearman will return to the University of Mississippi to complete the final four courses he needs to finish his business degree.

        BENGALS RULE: Cincinnati holds a 6-2 series edge over the Eagles, a .750 winning percentage that is the Bengals' best against any team.

        The Bengals hold a 3-2 edge at Philadelphia and lost the last game between the teams at Veterans Stadium, 44-42, on Nov.30, 1997. The 42 points were the most the Bengals have scored in their past 126 games.

        NO. 2: After holding the NFL lead in rushing for two weeks, the Bengals fell to second last week. They are averaging 150.4 yards a game, second to Oakland's 152.7.

        The Bengals are led in rushing by Pro Bowler Corey Dillon, who has 1,396 yards, fifth best in the NFL and fourth best in the AFC. Dillon already holds the team record and would finish with 1,489 yards if he rushes for his 93.1 average.

        GOING HOME: Bengals coach Dick LeBeau had his first NFL assistant's job with the Eagles in 1973, the year after he retired from his 14-year playing career with the Detroit Lions.

McNabb says let Smith play Undrafted Spearman year's pleasant surprise Eagles vulnerable to run

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