Article: McNabb not stirring pot for good reason

[Angus]

Eagles quarterback McNabb not stirring pot for good reason

By John Smallwood
Philadelphia Daily News

Daily News Sports Columnist
DONOVAN McNABB could have responded the way former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre did when he blasted management for not pursuing Pro Bowl receiver Randy Moss to help him in his swan-song campaign.

McNabb isn't Favre and Philadelphia isn't Green Bay.

After nearly a decade as the lightning rod of Philly's most popular team, McNabb is smart enough to know how publicly lamenting the Eagles' "oh, well" approach to upgrading the offense would play out.

Few would understand his point, even fewer would want to hear it, and virtually none would sympathize with him.

The quarterback practically pleaded for help after the Birds finished 8-8 and 17th in the league in scoring.

Management's response during the first wave of free agency and the draft was to use the second of the team's second-round picks on diminutive kick returner/receiver DeSean Jackson.

That's not exactly the move of an organization looking to make one last run with its veterans in the 2008 season.

McNabb publicly complaining, however, would only provide more fuel for his critics to paint him as a whiny mama's boy looking to pass the blame for his own deficiencies.

So on Saturday, at Eagles minicamp, McNabb reverted to the "good soldier" role he has played for most of his time with the Eagles.

Asked what he thought of the job management did in upgrading the team, McNabb flashed a smile and said, "I think they did a great job. I said 'playmakers.' I didn't say receivers. I said, 'Guys that can come in and make plays for us.' "

Fair enough. Still, I don't think it's a stretch to think that when a quarterback asks for "playmakers," free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel and a second-round returner are what he has in mind.

Let's cut to the chase.

The tracks for McNabb's exit from town are greased, and No. 5 knows it.

McNabb is still the Eagles' quarterback for now, but he's no longer the central force.

At 31 years old and nine seasons worth of NFL pounding on his body, McNabb is no longer viewed as the blazing star around which the Eagles orbit.

If that weren't clear enough last April when the Eagles moved out of the first round and used their first pick on McNabb's heir, Kevin Kolb, it certainly was when the Birds traded the 19th pick in this year's draft for Carolina's first-round pick in 2009.

The Eagles did things to help the quarterback. The quarterback just happens to be Kolb.

Right now, with no financial penalty for trading or simply releasing him, McNabb is Doug Pederson - the veteran quarterback coach Andy Reid initially brought in to mind the ship until McNabb was deemed ready to take over.

Given McNabb's contract situation, I'd say the only way he is back in midnight green next season is if Kolb shows to be woefully unprepared to start 2009.

So why wouldn't "Big 5" speak out?

After Kolb was drafted, McNabb displayed a willingness to step out of the company line and reveal some of his true feelings.

Saturday's press conference seemed an ideal forum to continue that tenor. It didn't happen.

"It's not about me being disappointed or excited," said McNabb, which had to make Reid smile behind the scenes. "The guys we have here made plays for us last year.

"We showed signs in our passing game. We just have to be more consistent. I always go into a season believing we can contend for the championship."

McNabb whining about personnel decisions wouldn't help that effort. Winning a championship starts with showing confidence in the people you have around you.

There is, however, another reason for McNabb's demurred acceptance of management doing virtually nothing to help him help this franchise win in 2008.

While I say McNabb is in Pederson's shoes, there is a difference.

Unlike Pederson, McNabb, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, still has the talent and ability to have success someplace else.

Just because the Eagles are primed to jettison him after he's served his purpose doesn't mean McNabb can't win a Super Bowl for a different franchise.

Complaining about management decisions would only serve as a detriment to what would come next.

McNabb's next team will be looking for a leader, not a complaining malcontent.

This time it's right for Donovan McNabb to play the good soldier. Ultimately, he'll be helping himself.

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/spo..._McNabb_not_stirring_pot_for_good_reason.html

 

[Brandon]

Report: Donovan, how does it feel to know that T.O has been traded?

Donovan: http://img266.*************/img266/8360/donovamcnabbeaglescamyt7.png

 

[Stash]

I think this is an extremely accurate article.

McNabb is done in Philadelphia after this season.

And he knows it.

His salary jumps considerably and the Eagles aren't about to pay it.

In fact, they probably made a mistake not trading him this season.

They probably could have gotten a 1st round pick from either Minnesota or Chicago.

Next year the rest of the league knows he's out of Philly and they'll probably be forced to release him for nothing.

It wouldn't do his 'please love me' campaign any good to publicly blast the team for the lousy job it did improving for 2008.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

smart player.....keep it shut

 

[LeonDixson]

How long before the rumors start that McFlabb will be brought to Dallas next year to replace Brad Johnson?

 

[Stash]

How long before the rumors start that McFlabb will be brought to Dallas next year to replace Brad Johnson?

I'd bet on never!

Then again, I remember the 'highlight crowd' continuing to talk up Daunte Culpepper two years ago too so I guess anything is possible.

 

[Hostile]

An Eagles thread on a Cowboys forum? We must be worried about them.


~Please excuse the backhanded slap at a very silly Skins fan.~

 

[NorthDalal]

An Eagles thread on a Cowboys forum? We must be worried about them.


~Please excuse the backhanded slap at a very silly Skins fan.~

1. McNabb is not done. No probowl QB is finished at 31.

2. He's a good soldier type, just the kind of guy 1/2 the league's franchises would love to have as "face of the franchise".

3. Put him in an offense with a top-notch running game (K.C., Minn., Miami(?),Washington(!),S.F.) and he's a Pro Bowler.

I hope Philly doesn't pay his bonus--and doesn't get him a pounding RB or WRs that can move the chains.

Who died and left Kevin Kolb in charge anyhow, how come Philly is the only team in the NFL that can just hit a home run with a second round QB on the first try.

This is Andy Reid arrogance at its most extreme level, how's that young developmental QB thing working out for Childress(Minn.), Billick(Bal), Cam Cameron(Mia) and Mangenius(NYJ) by the way?

 

[sago1]

Frankly I don't like McNabb but that's partly cause he's been our nemises for so long but also because of his whining the last 2 years or so as well as some of his comments. But I do believe the Eagles organization (read Any Reid) has totally failed to provide McNabb with the WRs that any franchise QB really needs when the team has legit SB aspirations. Of course they did trade for TO & at least they got to the SB, but in the end that turned out to be one big mess. McNabb bears responsibility, and certainly does TO, but Reid and the Eagle FO also handled the whole thing very stupidedly. The Cincy team might be doing the same thing with WR Chad Johnson.

 

[Thick 'N Hearty]

1. McNabb is not done. No probowl QB is finished at 31.

2. He's a good soldier type, just the kind of guy 1/2 the league's franchises would love to have as "face of the franchise".

3. Put him in an offense with a top-notch running game (K.C., Minn., Miami(?),Washington(!),S.F.) and he's a Pro Bowler.

I hope Philly doesn't pay his bonus--and doesn't get him a pounding RB or WRs that can move the chains.

Who died and left Kevin Kolb in charge anyhow, how come Philly is the only team in the NFL that can just hit a home run with a second round QB on the first try.

This is Andy Reid arrogance at its most extreme level, how's that young developmental QB thing working out for Childress(Minn.), Billick(Bal), Cam Cameron(Mia) and Mangenius(NYJ) by the way?

:ralph:

 

[Brandon]

1. McNabb is not done. No probowl QB is finished at 31.

2. He's a good soldier type, just the kind of guy 1/2 the league's franchises would love to have as "face of the franchise".

3. Put him in an offense with a top-notch running game (K.C., Minn., Miami(?),Washington(!),S.F.) and he's a Pro Bowler.

I hope Philly doesn't pay his bonus--and doesn't get him a pounding RB or WRs that can move the chains.

Who died and left Kevin Kolb in charge anyhow, how come Philly is the only team in the NFL that can just hit a home run with a second round QB on the first try.

This is Andy Reid arrogance at its most extreme level, how's that young developmental QB thing working out for Childress(Minn.), Billick(Bal), Cam Cameron(Mia) and Mangenius(NYJ) by the way?

:trophy::lombardi:

 

[AtlCB]

I actually think the Eagles' coaching staff is to blame for the lack of superbowl victories. You cannot win a superbowl throwing the ball 65% of the time with below average wide receivers.

McNabb did a good job in Philly, and I'll be glad when he's out of the division.

 

[Brandon]

Is it a coincidence that the best football the Eagles played(Aside from their Superbowl run) Was when Jeff Garcia came into play and they started calling a 50/50 game with Garcia and Westbrook?

 

[Stash]

I actually think the Eagles' coaching staff is to blame for the lack of superbowl victories. You cannot win a superbowl throwing the ball 65% of the time with below average wide receivers.

I would add this, Andy Reid has done McNabb no favors in getting him a solid supporting cast.

And Reid's arrogance will ultimately cost him his job.

Take this year's draft.

Word came out about a 'new draft chart' making the rounds. The new chart made it easier for teams to trade up by valueing top picks lower than before.

Anyone care to guess who was pimping the new chart?

Yeah, the Eagles.

The Eagles were looking to trade up for an offensive lineman to replace aging Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan. But they refused to pay the going rate to move up so they were shut out of the top players.

They then traded out of Round 1.

The Eagles were also looking to trade Lito Sheppard, but he's still on the team.

Why?

Because once again, Andy Reid's arrogance showed up front and center. The same guy who wouldn't pay to move up, wouldn't trade Sheppard for anything less than his inflated asking price. So now Sheppard and the team are stuck in an awkward and uncomfortable situation.

And Reid continues to believe that the Eagles' subpar offensive talent is enough to make them a 'Super Bowl team'.

It won't be long before Reid's goodwill in the 'City of Brotherly Love' wears out.

One more mediocre season should do it.

 

[Brandon]

Andy Reid reminds me of Eagle fans.

Constantly over-valuing talent and falling in love with players.

BUT, Andy Reid made progress. He was willing to cut dead weight in Takeo Spikes. And when that move was made, I remember correctly, Eagle fans were jumping with joy because the cutting of Spikes meant "Fitz for Lito trade!"

Sadly Eagle fans, you once again were chasing a pipedream.

 

[Hostile]

1. McNabb is not done. No probowl QB is finished at 31.

2. He's a good soldier type, just the kind of guy 1/2 the league's franchises would love to have as "face of the franchise".

3. Put him in an offense with a top-notch running game (K.C., Minn., Miami(?),Washington(!),S.F.) and he's a Pro Bowler.

I hope Philly doesn't pay his bonus--and doesn't get him a pounding RB or WRs that can move the chains.

Who died and left Kevin Kolb in charge anyhow, how come Philly is the only team in the NFL that can just hit a home run with a second round QB on the first try.

This is Andy Reid arrogance at its most extreme level, how's that young developmental QB thing working out for Childress(Minn.), Billick(Bal), Cam Cameron(Mia) and Mangenius(NYJ) by the way?

It's clear to me you did not grasp that I was being a smart alec because a Commanders fan posted the thought that Commanders threads must mean we are in a panic.

My entire post was a slap at a particular rather silly Skins fan. Nothing more.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb = BOTH Overrated.

 

[Doomsday101]

Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb = BOTH Overrated.

Really? Damn and I just heard Dallas signed McNabb.

 

[Nav22]

1. McNabb is not done. No probowl QB is finished at 31.

He's not done, but he's certainly not what he once was.

Notice how well he played from 2000-2003 with mediocre talent, and how much the Eagles won in that era. Compare it to the 2005-2007 Eagles. They've been .500 with McNabb as QB since they banished T.O.

2. He's a good soldier type, just the kind of guy 1/2 the league's franchises would love to have as "face of the franchise".

He's a ******.

The "black-on-black crime" statement was the dumbest thing an athlete's even capable of saying.

He blamed his Super Bowl melt-down originally on being tired... a few months later he changed his story and said he wasn't tired... and even later, he blamed T.O. for being hurt and claiming his substitutions were unpredictable at that juncture in the game.

He's a cry-baby who ripped his teammates after the '05 season for not having his back in the T.O. drama. As a QB and team leader, it's your job to unify the troops, not to get into an ego-flex against your best offensive teammate. McNabb showed extremely poor leadership skills throughout the whole T.O. ordeal.

Shall I go on?

3. Put him in an offense with a top-notch running game (K.C., Minn., Miami(?),Washington(!),S.F.) and he's a Pro Bowler.

Hey, that's funny. I could've sworn he has Brian Westbrook at RB, one of the very best and most productive RBs in the league.

Westbrook might not get 20+ carries each game, but he certainly averages well over 20+ touches per game.

So McNabb's getting PLENTY of production from the RB position.

With McNabb under center, Philly has not been a playoff caliber team since 2004. With Garcia in half a season, they turned their 2006 season COMPLETELY around (they started 5-5 with McNabb) and won the division.

At what point do we put McNabb's shortcomings on... say, I don't know... McNabb!?

 

[Sarge]

How long before the rumors start that McFlabb will be brought to Dallas next year to replace Brad Johnson?

Never gonna happen - McNabb is a bonafide starter in this league and a top 10 one a that - let's not get silly.