Eagles' Maclin stays inbounds to set up Akers' game-winner

"They've got a great kickoff coverage team," said Harris, who said Denver got great hang time on its kicks and was on him almost as soon as he caught the ball.

An ugly Eagles three-and-out gave Denver the ball again near midfield, with a chance to take the lead, early in the fourth. But the Birds' defense put together an excellent sequence and forced a punt, Sheldon Brown knocking a third-down bomb away from Brandon Marshall.

It was a short respite. Three-and-out again, McNabb seemingly only looking at DeSean Jackson, and another penalty on the punt, 15-yard facemask on Tracy White. Broncos ball at their 47. Yet again, the defense forced a punt.

And yet again, the offense could do nothing, Reggie Brown catching a third-down pass short of the marker.

This time, Rocca shanked a 28-yard punt and it led to the tying field goal, a 46-yarder. Hard to fault the defense there.

Harris might have never lived it down if his fumble on the ensuing kickoff hadn't been pounced on by teammate Victor Abiamiri.

"I should have put the ball in my left hand, but I was going through traffic" and didn't want to make the transfer, Harris said. He said he wouldn't make that mistake again.

"Glad we came up with a win," Harris said. "I'll be better next time."

For more Eagles coverage and opinion, read the Daily News' Eagles blog, Eagletarian, at www.eagletarian.com.