Not much has gone right the last few weeks for the Eagles, but the special-teams play of Reno Mahe has been a positive development. Before this season, Mahe had returned four kickoffs in his first three years, but in the last two weeks he has averaged 29 yards on six kickoff returns and 11 yards on five punt returns. For the season he is averaging 12.4 yards on punt returns and 24.3 on kickoffs.

Earlier this week, he talked about his role with the team.

Question: Are you getting more of a comfort level returning kickoffs?

A: Yes. You hope it's not beginner's luck, since I've just been doing it the last couple of weeks. I think the guys are doing a good job of blocking, so it's not too hard to run.

Q: This is your fourth season, and each year there seems to be a question about whether you will make the roster. Does this lack of security motivate you?

A: I think it's one of those things where you are just grateful for the opportunity you have. I enjoy every day being here and have the opportunity to provide a good living for my family and those around me. You try not to take it for granted. There are a lot of naysayers out there. There is nothing better than to prove people wrong.

Q: How difficult was it for you and the team to see Donovan McNabb lost for the season?

A: I think that is what is going to define us, what are we going to do now with our leader like Donovan going down, who is going to step up? We know Jeff [Garcia] is going to step up, and we know what he can do. Jeff is a Pro Bowl quarterback. We are going to follow his lead and go out there. As for Donovan's injury, we have the attitude of let's go do this for him. Let's make some plays and go to where he wanted us to go.

Q: As BYU alumni, do you and coach Andy Reid swap stories about your alma mater?

A: All the time. Anything new that happens at BYU, we are like, hey, BYU, this and that. It's a nice little thing both being from BYU, and I appreciate that BYU connection.