Growing up in the Philly region, I was naturally programmed to become a fan of the Phillies, Sixers, Flyers and Eagles. Throughout much of my life, as with many fans in the area, it was tough cheering for the home team.
Yes, the Eagles at one time had guys like Cunningham and White, but victory always eluded them until Donovan McNabb came to town.
It’s been a love, hate, love relationship with McNabb since day one. We all know that Eagles fateful booed him on draft day because they wanted Rickey Williams. So, how did that work out? And, despite taking the team to five NFC championships and one Super Bowl appearance, it wasn’t enough for the organization and fans.
Let’s look at those all important stats and records.
NFL recordsMost consecutive pass completions, 24; vs New York Giants, Nov. 28, 2004; vs Green Bay Packers, Dec. 5, 2004
Least-intercepted quarterback per pass attempt of all time, (4588 attempts-96 interceptions, 2.09%)
Second-best touchdown-to-interception ratio of all time, (209-96, 2.18) behind Tom Brady (217-92, 2.36)
First NFL Quarterback ever to throw for more than 30 touchdowns and fewer than 10 interceptions (2004)
One of six quarterbacks of all time to have over 25,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards (alongside Randall Cunningham, Steve Young, Fran Tarkenton, Steve McNair, and John Elway)
Currently the third-highest winning percentage among active quarterbacks (83-45-1, .647) behind Peyton Manning (119-59-0, .669) and Tom Brady (88-25-0, .779)
Eagles records
Most Career Attempts (4,303)
Most Pass Completions (2534)
Most Passing Yards (29,320)
Most Passing Touchdowns (203)
Most Single-Season Completions (345, 2008 season)
Most Single-Season Yards (3,916, 2008 season)
Most NFC Championship Appearances (5)
Wow, he IS garbage, especially considering that Andy Reid insists on passing a majority of the time to forgettable receivers. Look at those records again.
Finished?
OK, being a rational person, I can understand some issues that fans may have, like McNabb not having enough heart, choking during the big games, and getting older.
Well, here’s my rant…Do any of you remember that game against the Cardinals in 2002 when he played with a broken ankle?
That’s a player with heart.
Imagine what he could have done with a power back and decent receivers. I’m not going to knock any elite QB’s out there, but Peyton and Brady, for example, had the right supporting cast. The year McNabb did have a receiver, you know that abbreviation T.O., the Eagles went to the Super Bowl.
Even Hall of Famers, like Dan Marino and Jim Kelly, didn’t capture the Lombardi Trophy. But, did the Fin and Bills fans blame them? Of course not. It’s a team effort.
If McNabb isn’t having a great game, the defense needs to step up. They didn’t do it last year in those back to back loses against the Cowboys. They didn’t do it against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. But, how quick you forget that it was Donovan McNabb that came back in the second half and brought the Eagles within reach of a Super Bowl victory.
Alright, so it’s a business decision because he’s getting older, since he’s 33 years old.
Does anyone not remember that John Elway was 37 years old when he won his first Super Bowl. Oh yeah, he won another one a year after. Do I even need to mention what the recently retired Kurt Warner did with the Cardinals in his late 30’s? And, how about that 40 year old Brett Favre taking the Vikings to the NFC Championship last year?
Alright, how about more of a peer?
There’s this guy on the Colts named Peyton Manning, maybe you’ve heard of him? It turns out that Peyton is 34, and, was drafted a year before McNabb. Do the Colts, or their fans, even remotely consider getting rid of him? Do they even worry about his age?
Like Manning, McNabb still has some gas left in the tank.
Just when the Eagles are giving McNabb the weapons that he’s needed throughout his career, they’re going to ship him off and go with an unproven starter.
Yes. Most of knew that someday, Kevin Kolb could/would become the starter in Philly. He did have two great games last year, but will he do that game in and game out?
Remember, Philly always did a great job with rallying the troops when Donovan was injured. But, would you really have wanted Koy Detmer, A.J. Feeley of Jeff Garcia taking over? My point is, why take to risk when you have the real deal.
Let me just ask all of you this final question…
Can you name at least 10 current QB’s better than McNabb? Any other NFL team. Any other fanbase. Would be honored by having Donovan McNabb on their rooster. For as much as I love the passion, and harshness, of Philly fans, this time they got it wrong.
Ultimately, the fans wishes came true. McNabb has been traded Redskins.
Saying this as an Eagles fan, I want him to succeed with the ‘Skins. I want him to win a Super Bowl in Washington. I want the Delaware River to flood the coastlines with the tears of whining Philly fans when it happens too.
Because, as the old saying goes, you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
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