Specifically, fans on message boards and in e-mails to reporters disliked the quarterback's demeanor following the Eagles' 36-31 home loss to the Giants last week. Network TV cameras found McNabb greeting New York players after the game, looking unfazed by the result, which dropped the Birds to 0-3 in the NFC East.

Longtime McNabb observers know that the quarterback puts a high priority on appearing to not let things bother him, on not showing frustration in public. Many Eagles fans are on a different wavelength there; they want visceral, emotional heroes. They want losing to bother the players as much as it bothers them. Never mind that in 2008, even the most emotional, warriorlike players mill about after the game, mixing with the opposition. A large contingent from both teams usually gathers in a circle for prayer before heading to the locker room.

In season 10, approaching his 32nd birthday, McNabb isn't about to try to become anything other than what he is.

"That's ignorant, to criticize how people respond after a game, when they're talking among friends," McNabb said recently. "I have a lot of friends in this league. What happens in the game is obviously different than your friendship off the field. In that particular game, [what happened] was no laughing matter. After the game, you move on as friends and you talk. If something comes up about the game, then you talk about the game.

"There's nothing to be gained from me being mad at [a Giants player, afterward]. There's other things during that game to be upset about."

McNabb theorized that whatever demeanor he adopted, it would be criticized. If he tried to project grim seriousness, "then they'll say, 'He's not enjoying himself. He doesn't like being out there.' Maybe I'll go head-butt somebody and run into a wall."

Free safety Brian Dawkins is probably the most fierce Eagle, the player whose manner resonates the most with fans. Dawkins, who also smiles and greets after games, said he couldn't imagine such behavior being the source of criticism.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, as far as somebody laughing after a game," Dawkins said. "I'm not going to sit here and tell you that someone shouldn't be laughing with someone they know on that team. Everybody is different. You can't pinpoint and say, 'You know what? This is the demeanor you have to have after a win; this is the demeanor you have to have after a loss.' Everybody is individually different."

Coach Andy Reid was asked if he had any thoughts, or any sort of policy, on fraternization after games.

"No," Reid elaborated.

The guess here is that Reid is more concerned about McNabb's slow starts lately, which included 0-for-8 early on against the Giants. Although yesterday, Reid dismissed that concern, as well.

"You know what, he's doing so many good things," Reid said. "You're not going to complete every ball. The main thing is that we're scoring a lot of points, and we have to continue to to that and score more. That's the mentality that you have to have. He's having one of his better years, and every game is not going to start the way you draw it up, but it's important that you keep firing and you get it right, and I'm proud of him for doing that."

Injury update

Cornerback Asante Samuel (hip) was a full practice participant and is listed as probable for tomorrow's game at Cincinnati. Andy Reid said Samuel will not be limited against the Bengals.

Reid said he kept running back Brian Westbrook out of the final segment of yesterday's practice because Westbrook had practiced indoors on an artificial surface Thursday and Reid wanted to be careful with Westbrook's knee, which swelled up following the Seattle game, played on synthetic grass.

Reid said Shawn Andrews - who has to be nearing the residency requirement to vote in California - will stay out there at least another week , as Dr. Robert Watkins monitors swelling. Watkins operated on the All-Pro right guard's back on Oct. 21.

Home cooking

Defensive end Trent Cole and backup tight end Brent Celek grew up in Cincinnati and played for the University of Cincinnati. Both said they are looking forward to going home. Although Celek's parents own three hair salons in the Cincinnati area, Celek said he won't be getting a haircut on the trip - he said his mom flies to Philadelphia to cut his hair.

Cole has a lot of family coming to the game and a lengthy "to do" list.

"It's going to be a fun environment to me," Cole said. "I'm going to go to Montgomery Inn and get some ribs. I'm going to Skyline Chili, get a Cheese Coney [a hot dog with cheese, onions, and other ingredients]."

Special scrutiny

General improvement in the Eagles' special teams keeps getting sandbagged by mistakes, such as when Greg Lewis ran into Giants punt returner Domenik Hixon before the ball got there last week.

"He thought the ball was going to be there a little bit earlier, and he wanted to be in position, because it wasn't a fair catch," special teams coordinator Rory Segrest said. "He wanted to be in a position where he could make the tackle on the guy if he did try to return it on him."

But as Segrest noted, the timing wasn't there. "In this situation, you just have to move out of the way and let him catch the Football." *

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