WHERE IS THE BROTHERLY LOVE?

TIME FOR CHANGE?

If Donovan McNabb was a prima donna, I wouldn't care so much.

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.

For McNabb, it would be a strange feeling.  Imagine actually being somewhere where you're wanted and appreciated.



 

NO RUSH TO JUDGEMENT

You know things are bad in Oakland when Ryan Leaf plans on dressing as JaMarcus Russell for Halloween.

Okay, I don't know Leaf's trick or treat plans but I think it's safe to say he can put the aspirin bottle away for good, secure in knowing he's off the hook for being considered the worst quarterback taken with a first-round top five pick.  Leaf was selected No. 2 in 1998, right behind a guy named Peyton Manning.  I wouldn't be surprised if Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay wakes up in a cold sweat from time to time, thinking of what might have been.

Congressman Heath Shuler, a No. 3 first-round pick, we haven't forgotten about you either.

Russell, Leaf and Shuler have one thing in common.  They held out, missing valuable time in training camp before signing big contracts. 

All one really needs to know about Russell's ability at this point is when losing big to the New York Giants on Sunday, Russell still wasn't allowed to air it out.  The Raiders lost 44-7 and Russell was 8 of 13 for 100 yards.  He also lost three fumbles and was sacked six times.

The Raiders still owe him around 30 million dollars and the plain, awful truth is, JaMarcus Russell has been masquerading as an NFL quarterback since being drafted No. 1 in 2007.  For his career, he'scompleted  only 51.4 percent of his passes.

Granted, much like Jason Campbell of Washington, Russell in his short career has had instability at the head coaching position and different schemes to master.  Not exactly the ideal learning environment.  He's also had to deal with a shortage of talent at the wide reciever spot.  The likes of  Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry and an aging Javon Walker wouldn't guarantee you a sandlot championship.

But there is a lot that falls on Russell's shoulders.  He's not in the kind of shape needed to play the position effectively.  He needs to check into the film room before dawn and leave long after the Northern California sun has set.  His footwork needs to get better and he should throw, and throw and throw everyday in practice. 

This isn't Madden.  This is the real NFL where the opposing forces move and react with amazing quickness and skill.  So no one is rushing to judgement when it's said that JaMarcus Russell stinks as a quarterback right now. 

The interesting part will be to see where he takes it from here.  He can ride off into the sunset with his millions and not look back, or he can accept the challenge of doing what it takes to become a legitimate NFL quarterback.