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| TIME FOR CHANGE? |
If Donovan McNabb was out smacking or abusing women, assaulting law enforcement or threatening reporters, I wouldn't give him a second thought.
If Donovan McNabb was taking shortcuts by using steroids or a habitual drug user, I'd write him off.
If Donovan McNabb finally gave a press conference and criticized his head coach or the Philadelphia Eagles front office, I wouldn't hold it against him. But, I know he won't do that or any of the things above because Donovan McNabb is a class act.
It's a darn shame that the City of Brotherly Love can't show that brother any love.
If you seriously think backup quarterback Kevin Kolb is a better option for the Eagles at the moment, congratulations on being able to see into the future. If the Eagles are willing to unload McNabb because they think Kolb is ready and believe it's a good financial move to boot, it's their money, their right to decide the future of their franchise.
The reality of being a professional athlete is that few teams reward life-long performance. The Bulls let Michael Jordan walk, the Philadelphia 76ers got rid of Wilt Chamberlain, Willie Mays ended his career in New York, Joe Montana in Kansas City.
Entering his 12th NFL season, McNabb's tenure in Philadelphia has never taken on that 'Take your coat off, stay awhile' feel. He was booed by fans when the Eagles selected him second overall in the 1999 draft, right behind Tim "Ouch" Couch.
All McNabb has done in return is lead the Eagles to five NFC Championship games, four consecutive NFL East Division Championships (2001-2004) and a Super Bowl appearance against the New England Patriots in which the Eagles came up short.
The rap on McNabb is that he can lead you to water, but can't quite fill up the glass. The unfairness of it all is that the bulk of criticism falls on his shoulders. It has often been debated that the fault lies with head coach Andy Reid's pass first, pass often philosophy. Would the Eagles have enjoyed better success if more emphasis had been placed on establishing a running game?
At 33 years old, a banged up McNabb is no longer the running threat he used to be which makes the presence of Michael Vick an intriguing window to the past. On some level, Vick must remind Reid of that young stud out of Syracuse, fleet of foot with a strong arm.
Do you really unload the team's all time leader in career wins, pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards, and passing TDs, so easily? Banish him to a team like the Oakland Raiders? McNabb on the Raiders equals what, maybe two or three more wins (They were 5-11 last season)? In return, if the Eagles get cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, they'd counter the talented bunch of receivers that reside in the NFC East.
A better fit for McNabb? The San Francisco 49ers. Bring his 216 career TDs under center and the 49ers immediately solve their QB woes to become the favorite to win the NFC West. It would be a fitting place for McNabb to play out his career, joining the legendary names of Montana and Steve Young.
The 49ers are in great shape to make such a deal too. They possess the 13th and 17th pick in the first round of the upcoming draft. Add a veteran to the mix and maybe the Eagles would bite.
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