ST. LOUIS – Not once.

Not once did the Eagles get to see just how badly bruised Kurt Warner’s ribs actually were. Not once did they get the big hit on the Rams quarterback that would have served as the great test of his durability. Not once did Warner have to scrape himself off the turf and wonder if he was still in once piece.

“I don’t think I took any hits in that area all day long,” Warner said.

Given how often and how effective the Eagles are in blitzing, it is no wonder Warner stated his offensive line “did a great job” in last night’s 29-24 victory in the NFC title game. Warner did not look like the league’s MVP in connecting on 22 of 33 passes for 212 yards, and his longest completion was for a pedestrian 21 yards. He played wearing a flak jacket and extra padding to protect his ribs and for the first time in his career took a pain-killing injection before the game.

“Just to take the edge off,” Warner said. “I don’t like to do it. But with the scenario of how it played out during the week, how sore it was and how many problems I had I didn’t want to be out of this game for any reason. I felt that was probably the best thing I could do for the team and for myself to make sure I stayed out there.”

Warner said he had no problems or pain throwing the ball. He was not especially sharp but he also did not throw the ball up for grabs and was able to lean on Marshall Faulk to carry the load. Of course, the Eagles never harassed him enough to see just how tender Warner’s ribs would be if they were pounded a bit.

“It was hard to get to Kurt,” said Eagles defensive end Hugh Douglas, who was held in check by Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace until Pace was forced out late in the first quarter with a sprained right knee. Rod Jones, who moved from right to left tackle to replace Pace, also contained Douglas.