Koy Detmer To Start For Eagles

December 18, 1999 / 2:38 PM EST / CBS/AP

Quarterback Koy Detmer will get his first start of the season for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday when they play the New England Patriots.

"I have confidence in Koy and the players have confidence in Koy," coach Andy Reid said Saturday. "He understands the game and the offense, and the way I want to approach it."

Detmer started five games last season, completing 97 of 181 passes for 1,011 yard1, five touchdowns and five interceptions.

"It's been a pretty crazy year, going from the starter the last few games to moving to third string this year. It's been an experience," said Detmer. "I'm not going out there trying to prove anything to the coaches. I want to go out and have some fun and win the game."

Starting quarterback Donovan McNabb sprained his left knee last Sunday in a 20-10 loss to Dallas, and backup Doug Pederson got a broken rib in the same game.

Pederson practiced lightly on Saturday, but said his rib was still sore. McNabb has had limited work all week. He is, however, expected to be healthy and back in the lineup when the Eagles conclude the regular season on Jan. 2 against the Rt Louis Rams.