Terrell Owens and Donovan McNabb have vowed to operate in a strictly businesslike manner.
Last night, the eccentric wide receiver and the easygoing quarterback took all of one pass play to show that business is booming.
Much has transpired since the last time the two took the field for a game in the Super Bowl, nothing of which has brought them closer.
But if last night's 27-17 preseason win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field was a sneak preview of what the regular season holds, Eagles fans need not worry that their ruptured relationship will affect their ability to get the job done.
Owens had missed the first two preseason games, the first because coach Andy Reid had banished him from the team for a week after an argument and the second because of a lingering groin injury.
But none of the name-calling, veiled insults or other things seemed to matter after the first 15 seconds of the game, after Owens and McNabb connected for a touchdown - a 64-yard beauty - on the first play from scrimmage. It was worth much more than six points.
Whether they are friends, enemies or something in between, it was clear that Owens and McNabb still have the magic that led them to connect for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.
Owens blasted into the open, caught the ball around the Cincinnati 20-yard line, stumbled briefly before regaining his balance, and scored for the quick 6-0 lead.
McNabb saw the mismatch between Owens and strong safety Kim Herring and went for it.
Reid said it was important for McNabb and Owens to achieve success early.
"It was great to get those two connected," the coach said. "They've got a special thing between them."
Owens has not been speaking with reporters since giving a series of interviews on the driveway of his home in Moorestown on the day Reid kicked him out of training camp.
Last night, there was no choreographed end-zone celebration like those of last year. Owens simply stood triumphantly, like a man who had just conquered the world. With hands on hips and head nodding as if he were listening to music coming out of his now-famous headphones, he stared into the stands as if to say: "How do you like me now?"
Owens ran off the field with a fist pump to his chest and pointed to the stands. The crowd was on its feet, falling in love with him all over again.
