Some Eagles fans, no doubt will be delighted with the trade of Donovan McNabb. But what they should not forget is the record he and Andy Reid built over the last 10 years and the number of times the team reached the playoffs. He brought excitement to a moribund franchise and though he could never win the big one, he got the team to the brink.
One other thing, McNabb was a good citizen. He may have said a few dumbs over the course of 10 years, (who doesn't?) But he was never caught at a club raising hell, shooting himself in the foot, or getting accused of assaulting some female.
His biggest crime may have been smiling after a throwing an uncatchable pass at a receiver's feet. He took at lot of big hits and punishment on the field and off. He was paid well and he performed well. He may perform even better in a new situation and that Eagles fans may rue the day he was traded to a division rival.
I'll never forget the SuperBowl McNabb brought us. Oh wait...
ReplyDeleteWhat I'll truly never forget is that this 'great' Eagles regime, since 2001, has officially acted as 'doorman' to the NFC, allowing over 50% of NFC teams into the Superbowl (Rams, Bucs, Panthers, Eagles?, Seahawks, Bears, Giants, Cards, Saints) - kinda makes our entrance into XXXIX a little less special. In addition, we 'dominate' the NFC East for most of the decade, yet the lowly Giants with Eli get in as a Wild Card team and take Superbowl XLII from the same team we couldn't - reminds me of the long run of Braves NL East Pennants where the Marlins snuck into the playoffs twice, winning two world series - which would you rather have?
McNabb was a great QB in this town, and he was the right pick in 1999. He has great talents but he also has flaws. His vision is limited to his first two receiving options before running around avoiding sacks, when he's rushed, he tends to throw his trademark 'worm-balls' or throws outs to Westbrook, sailing 10' over his head into the sidelines. He has been questioned as a leader since he first entered this league right through the regular grumblings and off-the-record comments from the locker room.
I'm tired of the excuses, too. No Receivers? Tom Brady worked with nobodys for his first two SB wins. Peyton Manning led the favorited Colts with one legitimate threat and backups/rookies. Drew Brees has Colsten, but who else?
No Offensive line/protection? The Steelers won SB XLIII with the worst OL I've seen in years (Remember the game vs the Eagles with 9 sacks earlier in the 2008 season?)
Eagles rely solely on the pass? Jeff Garcia, clearly an inferior talent, had better vision, spread the ball out and allowed Brian Westbrook to flourish as both a runner and receiver during the second half of 2006 in the most balanced offensive attack since Duce Staley was on the team.
Its time to move on. If you consider this an act of rebuilding, than I have to argue that they've been continuously rebuilding since Reid got here:
2002 - Trotter, Douglas
2003 - Taylor, Vincent, Emmons
2004 - Welbourn, Lewis
2005 - Mayberry, Reese
2006 - Fraley
2007 - Lewis, Walker
2008 - Trotter (x2), Kearse
2009 - Dawkins, Runyan, Thomas
2010 - Curtis, Howard, Westbrook, McNabb
I'm looking forward to Kevin Kolb. He's been groomed to understand this system for 3 full seasons. He's been scouted by Reid and Company since his Freshman year in College. He played at Houston which features a passing style requiring quick decision making and accurate throwing. Ron Jaworski noted this morning that Kolb is an accurate passer. The younger weapons on offense have also worked closely with Kolb since they came to the team, including Cekel, who rooms with Kolb each training camp. Lets see what happens.
His biggest crime will always be he wasn't a Philly Sports Guy!!
ReplyDeleteThere are those starts that come here, and LIVE here and love the area and the fans. Don never was that kind of guy. John Kruk was one, Jaws was another, Rollins, Utley and Lidge. All hard working, blue collar appreciating, stars that get the Philly folks and their passion for the sport.
McNabb never grasped that ring.
Add to that the balls at the feet, the smiles and the vomiting in clutch situations? Disaster.
What I will agree with is that Andy got more out of him than most coached ever could have.