Mark Curnutte

In the year since Limbaugh's criticism on Sept. 28, 2003, McNabb has led the Eagles to a 16-3 record, completing 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,161 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He scored five rushing touchdowns.

Limbaugh said on ESPN that McNabb was not a great quarterback and that the media wants McNabb to succeed because he is an African-American.

This season, the Eagles are one of only four teams at 3-0 - their best start since going 4-0 in 1993. New England and the Jets are 2-0.

McNabb doesn't like to talk about Limbaugh's comments.

"When I heard about it, and got to see it, it was kind of just a motivational push," McNabb said.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER: Like the Eagles, the Falcons are 3-0 for the first time since 1986. They ended up 7-8-1 that year. The Falcons' three opponents this year are 1-8, and they barely beat San Francisco (by two points) and Arizona (by three).

OTHER END: Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden on his team's 0-3 start: "We're all dejected. We're all down. (But) I think the future's so bright here I've got to wear shades."

ONE TO TIE: The Patriots have won 17 consecutive games, one short of the league record, including playoffs.

The record of 18 in a row is shared by: the Bears (1933-34) and (1941-42), Dolphins (1972-73) and Broncos (1997-98).

TIME FOR BILL: Patriots coach Bill Belichick was named one of the 100 most powerful and intellectual people in the world by Time magazine.

"It was flattering to be on the list," Belichick said.

His family brought him back down.

"To be on that and then to not be able to get your dog to come when you call him, or to take out the trash like everybody else, I mean, there were a lot of things I couldn't influence," Belichick said. "My kids got quite a joke out of it. They thought it was a joke when you hear that and see some things you can't even influence in your own household, like which show you're going to watch on TV."

DEFENSE/OFFENSE: The Colts are ranked 32nd in defense, including 32nd against the pass, and have allowed 75 points, more than any team with a winning record.

Indianapolis plays at Jacksonville today.

The Jaguars, 32nd in offense, including 32nd in passing, have scored 35 points - the same number the Colts scored in the first half of their victory over Green Bay.

RED-ZONE BLUES: In 2003, the Chiefs were the NFL's best when the ball was inside the 20-yard line. In 54 visits, they scored a field goal or touchdown 53 times.

Against Houston, the Chiefs were in the red zone four times but scored only twice. They lost the ball on downs, and then Marcus Coleman picked off Trent Green and returned it 102 yards for a touchdown, tying for the second-longest interception return.

BROWNS: Quarterback Jeff Garcia followed his 0.0 passer-rating game in Dallas by putting up 10 points to the Giants in a 27-10 defeat.

Through three games, the 34-year-old Garcia has a passer rating of 56.5 - last among NFL starters.

RAVENS: Quarterback Kyle Boller still isn't much of a passer, but he's showing the ability to run the ball. His 74 rushing yards in three games make him the AFC's top rushing quarterback. He's just five yards behind Daunte Culpepper and 113 behind Michael Vick, both of whom play in the NFC.

Boller also had two more fumbles against the Bengals, giving him eight fumbles lost in 12 career starts. His average rush (5.3 yards) is almost as good as his average pass (5.6).

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Written, in part, from notes contributed by other NFL writers.

Curnutte's Power Rankings

Team	Last Week	Record	Comment
1. Patriots	1	2-0	17 wins in a row, one from tying NFL record.
2. Eagles	2	3-0	T.O.'s TD count up to five.
3. Seahawks	3	3-0	Defense has allowed 13 points in 12 quarters.
4. Colts	4	2-1	But can they play any defense?
5. Titans	5	1-2	They'll be there at the end.
6. Panthers	6	1-1	QB Jake Delhomme spreads ball around.
7. Broncos	9	2-1	Quentin Griffin's fumble habit concerns team.
8. Vikings	10	2-1	Team will use bye to heal from injuries.
9. Falcons	8	3-0	No underestimating Michael Vick's value.
10. Jaguars	13	3-0	Average game score is 12-9.
11. Jets	12	2-0	Offense sparks early turnaround.
12. Ravens	14	2-1	Draft keeps supplying coach Brian Billick's system.
13. Packers	7	1-2	1-2 for second year in a row.
14. Cowboys	17	2-1	Team's mental mistakes worry coach Bill Parcells.
15. Saints	25	2-1	Confidence building in Big Easy.
16. Rams	11	1-2	Still blowing late leads.
17. Redskins	15	1-2	Critics question coach Joe Gibbs' game management.
18. Steelers	22	2-1	Hines Ward: "It's Big Ben's team now."
19. Lions	23	2-1	Rookie WR Roy Williams makes early impact.
20. Raiders	26	2-1	Kerry Collins gets QB job from injured Rich Gannon.
21. Bills	19	0-2	Staring at 0-3 with visit from Pats.
22. Bengals	20	1-2	Defense is the problem, not QB Carson Palmer.
23. Chiefs	16	0-3	In shock after losing to Texans at home.
24. Giants	28	2-1	Beginning to find identity under coach Tom Coughlin.
25. Buccaneers	18	0-3	Age, injuries catching up with coach Jon Gruden's men.
26. Browns	21	1-2	Have not lead in two consecutive losses.
27. Bears	24	1-2	Injury bug claims QB Rex Grossman.
28. Dolphins	27	0-3	23 points after three games worst in franchise history.
29. Texans	32	1-2	Have allowed 76 points in three games.
30. Chargers	29	1-2	Defenses zero in on RB LaDainian Tomlinson.
31. 49ers	30	0-3	420-game streak without shutout comes to end.
32. Cardinals	31	0-3	Coach Dennis Green 0-3 for first time as NFL coach.

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