Whether you love him or you hate him, you have to admit that Donovan McNabb came through when it mattered the most.
Donovan McNabb has taken more heat over the last two weeks than a Thanksgiving Day turkey in an oven.
First, there was his horrendous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This was a game that the Eagles saw as a "gift." The 1-8 Bengals didn't even seem like they could match up against the Birds. In the end, the two teams ended up with a 13-13 tie, the first tie in the NFL since 2002.
McNabb's four turnovers were a hot topic after the game. However, the main topic everybody was talking about the following week was McNabb's press conference.
McNabb made comments about how he had no idea an NFL game could end in a tie. The media blew this situation out of proportion, saying a professional athlete should be aware of the rules in the sport they play.
Then, Warren Sapp went on to say how these statements would ruin McNabb's legacy. Why would a few comments about overtime rules determine a player's legacy? Isn't this the guy who has two Pro Bowls, five division titles, and four straight NFC Championship Game appearances?
What was even more frustrating about the McNabb/rules of overtime situation is that the media focused on him. After McNabb made these comments, a lot of players spoke up and said they had no idea about the rule either. Did that matter to the media? Of course not. All they wanted to talk about was McNabb.
Then came the drama from last weeks game against the Baltimore Ravens. Not only did McNabb record three turnovers in the first half, but he was benched in the second half.
This was a risky move by Andy Reid considering the Eagles were only down three points at halftime. Kevin Kolb played the entire second half, but it didn't really matter since the Ravens defense took over and beat the Eagles 36-7.
McNabb has had his bad Sundays in his career, what quarterback hasn't? We have even seen Brett Favre have some horrendous games. This time was different thought.
In 10 years, we have never seen McNabb benched because of his performance. When Andy Reid placed McNabb on the bench without even telling him, everybody started to question whether or not McNabb would be done as the Eagles quarterback for the remainder of the season.
Last Monday, Andy Reid addressed the media and said Donovan McNabb would be the starting quarterback in Thursday night's game against the Arizona Cardinals. When explaining his reasoning behind the benching of McNabb, he said that sometimes you have to take a step back in order to take a step forward.
Clearly, Reid knew what he was talking about.
All week, McNabb knew the pressure of performing well against the Cardinals. If he had his third straight poor performance, his career could have been done as a Philadelphia Eagle.
It's obvious McNabb still has what it takes to be a leader on this Eagles squad. On the first drive of the game, McNabb knew that he had to score right away. If the Eagles didn't score on their first possession, the fans would have booed him like crazy.
What did McNabb do? He took eight minutes off the clock and completed a five-yard pass to Brian Westbrook for the touchdown.
The Arizona Cardinals may not have the best defense in football. The defense of the Cardinals doesn't even compare to the defense of the Baltimore Ravens.
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about 1 month ago
great job Dan, McNabb finally stepped his game up tonight and it was huge for us. I'm watching NFL network right now and Woodson and Dukes are bashing us for Booing McNabb early in the game. I was there and people were booing the fact that he continues to throw at peoples feet.
about 1 month ago
I think most of McNabb's (and the Eagles) issues start with Reid. More and more I believe Reid's miserable play calling is the biggest contributor to our failures. Just heard a stat this morning. Under Andy Reid, when the Eagles run the ball at least 30 times, we are 37-5. Last night with a beautiful blend of pass and run, we looked like we could challenge for the title. I guess that's a roundabout way of agreeing with this article. McNabb had incredible pressure on him last night. Had he gotten off to a slow start, the fans would have buried him. He was efficient and led the team confidently last night. Reid needs to put his players in a better position to make plays, especially McNabb. I think that means using the running game more. We'll see if Reid learned anything last night or if he reverts to his pass only offense.
about 1 month ago
Great recap. You said it perfectly. Reid knew what he was talking about. Right now, it appears he made the right moves.
Yet, I still want them gone...haha.
about 1 month ago
The one reason these players won that game was because Andy Reid told them that if they won the game they won't have to be back at practice until Wednesday! Many of them had plane tickets to go home and see their family for the holiday! After that fantastic game and them creaming the Cardinals! Andy told them all that he will see them on Monday!!! What a creep! If that was my boss I would want to quit! Not good for team moral! Great REWARD ANDY
about 1 month ago
dan, thanks for sharing this with me. i'm been observing the mcnabb thing from afar and i'm so pleased with the way he bounced back. he didn't just bounce back, he stormed back with possibly the best game of his season. the cardinals are no slouch either. i was really pleased for him.
and reid even gave him a little bit of balance mixing in the running game.
good job on getting so many reads too!
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