Donovan McNabb has been slammed a lot lately.
Before his comeback game last night, the five-time Pro Bowler had been harshly ridiculed for not knowing the NFL tie rule. He had thrown one touchdown to five interceptions, completed only 46 percent of his passes and had a dismal average quarterback rating of 32.1 in only a two-game span.
He was even benched at halftime of their blow-out at the hands of Baltimore.
The Philadelphia media was all over him. There was major talk about both McNabb and coach Andy Reid being gone at the end of the season. They said he had overstayed his welcome in Philly and it was time for a new direction.
But what if your team needed a quarterback? Would you want Donovan McNabb?
This question is purely hypothetical. It's not meant for any current examples. If you are a Lions fan, Donovan McNabb would obviously be a blessing.
But if you were starting a franchise today and had your pick at any NFL quarterback, would Donovan McNabb be at or near the top of your list? Would he be in your top five, right under Tom Brady and Peyton Manning?
Surely, he would be in mine.
I often wonder, even though I know the nature of sports fans in Philly, why they are under-appreciative of McNabb. He's a five-time Pro Bowler. He's led his team to three NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl that he nearly won.
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He's a special talent. Even after injuries, he's a dual-threat quarterback who would rather pass than run. That's rare in this league. He puts up big numbers. Even though he could change this stat this season, he's never thrown more than 13 interceptions in a season.
He's got a strong, accurate arm and a quick release. He's been one of the top quarterbacks in the league for seven of eight years. He's been riddled with injuries, but plays through pain whenever possible. And not been riddled enough to stop him from being an elite passer in the league.
Who else could be on that list, fighting with him for a spot? Obviously, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are right at the top of everybody's wish list. But after that, things get hazy.
Forget about age. Bring into consideration the system that the player plays in.
For example, Kurt Warner and Drew Brees are having incredible statistical years. But, their consistent 300-yard games are more a product of their offensive scheme than their pure raw talent.
So, Brees will still be up there. Tony Romo is becoming a superstar in the game. Eli Manning has proven himself to be a elite quarterback. Ben Roethlisberger is a tough-brewed winner. Brett Favre, even at 39 years old, is still in the debate.
Cases could even be made for Phillip Rivers, Jay Cutler, or Carson Palmer.
But McNabb has been is right up there with the best. He brings so much to the table and he's proven to be a consistently elite quarterback.
And while I raise that point for debate, I'm also trying to make a point.
For at least the two seasons, there's been so much talk about Philadelphia considering getting rid of Donovan McNabb. At times, it's even seemed like he's being pushed out the door.
But what's the rush? He has been everything Philly wanted out of him when they drafted him 10 years ago. Now, he's still performing at a high level. Why would you want to get rid of your franchise player?
Ride out the rest of McNabb's contract. They have a talented team in Philadelphia. If they can just get a few more pieces to the puzzle, Donovan McNabb can lead them to another Super Bowl.
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about 1 month ago
I would take McNabb over anybody. Except MAYBE Manning/Brady.
check out my article on this similar subject!
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/87045-donovan-mcnabb-benched-in-favor-of-kevin-kolb-on-thanksgiving-night?just_published=1
about 1 month ago
I would take: Both Manning's, Brady, Cutler, Romo, Brees, Rivers, and a few others.
Why? Yes, McNabb was great in his prime. But now, he's obviously lost a lot of his ability, and I'm sick and tired of him. He can not lead a team at all, and he's a whiner. I'm sick of his comments. It really appears to me that he doesn't care. It's sad.
All those guys I mentioned either have age on their side, are great leaders, and can win. McNabb can only do one of those things, and that's win. You might say that's enough to keep him, but looking at the last four years, he may have lost that touch as well.
about 1 month ago
If my team was contending and needed a quarterback I would not want him. As crazy as that sounds the guy can't finish games. It's been pretty clear throughout his career as the stakes got higher his play dwindled.
I want a QB that can finish.
about 1 month ago
All fair points, but what do you guys think about Philly more or less pushing him out the door? He hasn't fallen off that much. In only 12 games he's passed for over 3000 yards with 18 TD's to 10 INT's and completed 60% of his passes.
I question why the franchise has wanted him gone so badly. They have one of the best QB's in the league, why would that franchise not want to pick up his option for next season? As if his replacement, be it Kevin Kolb or someone else could possibly fill his shoes in their first few years.
He's still in my top 5. Brady, Manning, Romo, McNabb, Brees.
But I'm thinking if Philly fans want to win a championship in the next couple of years, Donovan McNabb gives them the best chance to do that.
about 1 month ago
McNabb positives: He would bring a much-needed buzz to teams like Detroit, San Francisco and others.
His Touchdown/Int ratio is fantastic. He has thrown 100 more TDs than interceptions in his career.
McNabb negatives: Overall accuaracy. He has only completed 60% of his passes twice in his career.
Age. He has made a career of being able to keep plays alive with his legs. He his probably the best of his era of scrambling around to find the open receiver. Now that he is 32, those legs are only going to get more and more tired in November and December.
I think he would welcome a small market team where the media and fans are low key.
about 1 month ago
McNabb is a much maligned player who gets too much of the blame for the Eagles' current problems. Other than Westbrook and rookie receiver Jackson on offense, who else do they have? They have some nice talent, but nothing that really grabs you.
I think almost half of the teams would take him in a heartbeat.
I found it laughable how after the game, all the Philly fans were chanting the guy's name, when only a day or two before they wanted his head on a platter.
about 1 month ago
McNabb has definitely been a bright spot for Philly fans in past years. he has definitely broken a few hearts too.
I have been a Philly fan for 10 years now and McNabb has done us well for a long time. Its a shame that fans are pushing him out the door, because I truly believe Kevin Kolb will leave us in tough spot.
McNabb will lead Philly to another Super Bowl with the right pieces in place. They need a couple of dependable receivers, so Kevin Curtis can play the slot, and a TE and the Eagles would contend no doubt.
Top 5: Brady, Manning, Manning, McNabb, Cutler
Thanks for the read Billy.
about 1 month ago
eli is a joke. mcnabb is great, but innacurate. he never fixed his two flaws, hurry up offense (and his stamina) and inability to lead a receiver with a catch on the run possibility. yes, keep him in philly and hire an aerobics instuctor or a marathoner for him. get jaws to teach him to throw ahead of receivers and higher than their ankles. then he's number three in the league behind brady and peyton.
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