By PHIL ANASTASIA
(Cherry Hill, N.J.) Courier-Post

PHILADELPHIA - Andy Reid began his press conference with one word. No, it wasn't "Wow."

"Injuries," Reid said, as always, same as the Philadelphia Eagles' coach does after NFC Title Game losses or opening-day victories that send more than 67,000 shiny, happy spectators streaming into the late-summer night dreaming of mid-winter glory.

The Eagles were that impressive in their 2004 debut Sunday in Lincoln Financial Field, whipping the New York Giants by a 31-17 score in an NFC East game that featured something from every column on the fans' fantasy menu.

From A there was the made-in-heaven marriage of Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and wide receiver Terrell Owens, who combined for three touchdowns.

From B there was an imposing defensive performance that overwhelmed New York's offensive line and lumped up both of the Giants' quarterbacks.

From C there was Jeremiah Trotter's blindside blast of the oldest Giant, punter Jeff Feagles, and Jerome McDougle's boom-lowering hit on one of the youngest, rookie quarterback Eli Manning, on the game's exclamation point of a final play.

Reid had it right, focusing on the injuries as a post-game opener to both keep his team's feet firmly on the ground, and to note that there was one ominous cloud that passed in front of the sun on this brilliant day in South Philadelphia.

That was the fractured leg suffered by rookie right guard Shawn Andrews, the team's No. 1 pick collapsing in a heap in the second quarter and riding into the tunnel - to a standing ovation from most of the capacity crowd of 67,532 - on that little cart that sends shivers up the spine of everybody in uniform.

Consider that moment a cold-water splash of reality on a warm and wonderful afternoon when McNabb nearly broke the passer-rating bank - going 26-for-36 for 330 yards and four touchdowns without an interception - and Owens was as good as self-advertised. If not better.

For one day, it was fair for the Eagles and their fans to dream of cruising through the watered-down NFC East - These are the new-look Giants? - and emerging on an early February afternoon on the shores of the St. John River in the northern Florida city of Jacksonville.

Also known as the home of Super Bowl XXXIX.

Hey, why not break out the breathless hyperbole after a game in which McNabb channels Randall Cunningham's signature play - that Monday night miracle against Carl Banks and these same New York Giants back in 1988 - and throws the most impressive three-yard touchdown of his career? To Owens, naturally.

Or when Owens finds the end zone three times - Hey, that was three month's work for James Thrash, this team's old No. 1 receiver - and somehow manages to look as flamboyant on the field as he did in his post-game press conference?

Or when those concerns about the defense seem unfounded, for one week, anyway, after the front seven works over the Giants, hounding veteran Kurt Warner and rookie Manning with equal ferocity?

Of course, we haven't even yet mentioned Brian Westbrook's brilliant debut as the starting running back with 161 yards from scrimmage. Or the comfortingly quiet competence of those young cornerbacks, Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown. Or the way Todd Pinkston, villain of the last Eagles' game in this stadium, started fresh with a 76-yard performance that included a terrific, over-the-shoulder snag of a 53-yard McNabb rainbow.

Yes, this was a picture postcard of an opener for the Eagles - a sunny, clear afternoon, a capacity crowd donned in their best midnight green, a dominating victory over a division rival.

Did we mention that the Cowboys also lost?

For one game, we saw what Owens can mean to McNabb and this offense, a legitimate star wide receiver making his share of big plays and creating all kinds of room for everybody else, from Pinkston to Westbrook to tight ends Chad Lewis and L.J. Smith.

For one game, we saw McNabb at the height of his powers, spreading the football among seven receivers and using his uncanny athletic ability to turn a busted play - New York defensive end Michael Strahan had him dead to rights - into that 3-yard touchdown pass to Owens late in the first quarter.

For one game, we saw the blueprint sprung to life - McNabb, Owens, Westbrook, a marauding defense, productive special teams, all of it.

One word?

"Wow" will do.

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