There has been some strong reactions to Donovan's comments and the situation the team finds itself in. As far as I'm concerned the only solution for Donovan and the Eagles is winning and winning often.
Jake,
G –
I just finished reading your article about McNabb and his perception that he is criticized more because he is a black QB. I have several thoughts as follows:
Speaking as an Eagles fan, I have defended McNabb for YEARS from my friends – because I remember the years of Bobby Hoying, Kotite and all the other dismal memories of our mediocre Philly teams. I appreciate what this Eagles team and organization has accomplished, and personally speaking I think McNabb is a great person, great role model for kids, and thick skinned enough to handle Philly's fickleness.
But, in having said that, I can honestly say that in respect to those I come in contact with, they're criticism of him has absolutely NOTHING to do with race. Its criticism of his balls thrown into the ground. Its criticism of his passes over and over again to a guy 4 yards away when its 3rd and 6. Its criticism of gunning the football regardless of the fact that the guy is only a couple of yards downfield. Its criticism of his complete inability to control a game clock. Its criticism of his utter confusion when it comes to running a two minute drill.
All of these things, in conjunction with his injury history and innefectiveness in big games like 3 Championship Games in a row, all contribute to the criticism he receives. But the fan base does NOT just criticize him for these things. Reid and Co. are ALWAYS tied into this criticism. Fans have been calling for Jim Johnson to be fired for two years and most think Reid is clueless and won't win until he realizes the benefits of a balanced offensive attack, or that you don't punt the ball on 4th down against New Orleans and ask your D to stop them when they couldn't stop a thing all day.
I know D might see it as Garcia was embraced while McNabb has never actually felt that here, and he may think that is because Garcia was white. But in reality, Garcia was embraced, largely because the coaching staff established a balanced attack with him at the helm. They were able to control the clock. They were able to run an effective two minute drill. The team itself was fired up with him as the QB. All of these things contributed to his success in Philly. Plus, it was only one season. Philly can love anyone for a season.
As for race, I'm sorry, but I think its a copout. I'm not saying he doesn't receive a percentage of racially charged comments – I am SURE he does and I am not by any means trying to downplay the significance of that, but MOST Eagles fans couldn't care less about that. All they want is you to win. Andy Reid is criticized just as much by the local fan base as Donovan is, and Reid is white. I hear people calling for Reid's head all the time, and for Donovan's.
I like McNabb about as much as a fan can – I respect what he has done in this city, and appreciate the level of success he has attained during his time here. And as I said, I am sure he deals with his share of racial issues….but thats not the driving force of his criticism. Everything I said above is what drives the criticism – and its aimed at Andy just as much as it is Donovan.
Sorry for my rant, but it just needed to be said.
Again, love the site.
Jake
From Kareem,
My take on Mcnabb and the fall out of his comments:
Donovan was simply answering a question that was asked of him weeks ago as honestly as he could and here we are again with another blow up. First of all his comments were not directed at whites, or philadelphia fans, and he wasn't just saying he is treated unfairly, but black quarterbacks as a whole. He doesn't even get into weather the treatment is intentional or siblinal just saying it happpens. Being as though he is a black quarteback im sure he would know a little more about how he feels then lets say you.. me..or anyone else short of being a black nfl quarterback. Don't you think before we rush to judge you should ask lets say Kordell Steward who was jerked around his whole career only to be replaced as a starter 3 games into season coming off and 13-3 year and a trip to the AFC championship game by Tommy Maddox a career backup. Not saying Kordell is great, but if a white QB did 75% as much as he did for Pittsburg they get more time in there or at least isnt replaced by Tommy Maddox. Or how about Mcnabb himself who had one of the best games someone has had against the Patriots in the Superbowl but his performance is viewed as a choke. If Mcnabb had the playoff numbers Peyton Manning has had he wouldn't even be here two years ago maybe three. Last year the Colts won the superbowl and you would have thought Peyton Manning was the coach the way he got credit for every play call to the point where he won MVP with a avarege game managers performance. People always say its a small percentage of fans that feel that way, well whats a small percentage 5%? Oh just a few fans, whats a few. lets say for the sake of argument there are 200,000 eagles fans 5% is 10,000. So oh just 10,000 feel that way "in Philadelphia". What about the rest of the country? Really its an silly question with an obvious answer brought up at the right time when the eagles are 0-2. I wonder if this would have been aired if they were 2-0.
From Frank,
G-
I am so sick of the drama around this team. Let me tell you this , if the Eagles win the Super Bowl Donavan wouldnt have to complete another pass, Andy could throw it 80% of the time and the defense could give up 200 yards a game on the ground and i wouldnt complain again! Eagles fans want that ring. THAT IT. Gives us the ring and I can guarantee things would get positive here.
I have lived and died with this team and cant take a losing season. I had high hopes this year and its all crashing down fast. I remeber when i was 7 years old crying on front of the tv after the Super bowl and here I am 27 year later still being crushed by this team. When will it end?
Reid and his regime has to go (Maybe not JJ). I want to bring in a caoch who will a ring on his resume and with a no nonsense attitude.
I know its getting crazy when I am starting to think TO was right.
Stephen,
I understand where Mcnabb's comments come from, especially with his past and how he and his family were vandalized and the subject of racism growing up. However, with regards to football, I think the only thing Philadelphia fans care about is winning, and Mcnabb, is what, 9-13 in his last 22 starts? That is why he is getting criticized, no different from Ron Jaworski when fans wanted Randall to take over. It is not because of race. Manning got ripped for choking every year in the playoffs, but right now, Manning and Brady have rings, and Mcnabb does not.
Furthermore, fans in Philadelphia like honesty out of their players and they like them to admit when they are wrong. Mcnabb never really takes blame when he plays an awful game. Take the Tampa game last year, when he threw the ball to LJ Smith before the half and got tackled in bounds. Not a smart play, considering we had no time outs. When asked in he made a mistake, Mcnabb said he'd make the same throw over again! Stubborn. And he just said he doesn't take back any of his comments. I just can't feel bad for a guy for his perceived racism when he has made million of dollars, has a huge house(s), and meets with celebrities everyday. He is an African American guy who broke the stereotypes and made it big, but he continues to focus on and whine about the negative.
From Dan,
Gary,
After nearly every incompletion in Monday's game(most of which were his fault), the camera would show Donovan flailing his arms in the air in frustration and grimacing in disgust. I know the man is passionate, I know he is a competitor, but is this any way to lead a team? If he is just frustrated at himself for throwing a bad pass, why must he show it? As one of the leaders of the team (at least on the field, obviously he doesn't lead in the locker room) doesn't he realize what effect showing frustration and anger will have on the other players. Does he expect them to brim with confidence when their field general isn't even confident in himself or his teammates. The man calls himself a leader, but he did not back it up in how he played and how he reacted to mistakes. I think the insecurity he has always felt off the field is starting to show on the field. I wish William Thomas or Runyan or Dawkins or Andy (god forbid our coach show some leadership) would tell him that is not acceptable and is not the way to lead a team.
Ben,
This situation seems to going from bad to worse. Ugh, this sucks being a helpless fan watching my team blow itself up and just years after the TO fiasco. Did we not learn anything? Short term remedy, Win. Long term remedy, there may not be one.
Tom,
Gary: Two topics to discuss. 1. No one can tell me Andy Reid's personal problems have not affected the team. The team is dead as they look in Andy's eyes. They have no swagger! They have no leader! They have no stars any longer that can produce! It's time my friend!!!! Goodbye Andy and Donovan, you are sitting until next year. Pull the trigger on these moves within next two games. If they loose to Detroit, its over Johnny!!
Secondly, I can understand Donovan on being a Black quarterback, since I have long been the only Black person in my industry, (Insurance) that does what I do. I know of no other Black men litigating files for an insurance company for millions of Dollars. The point here is that I have become used to being the only Black. I see the way I am treated differently EVERYDAY, but now I just simply ignore it. I no longer discuss this feeling with my wife or friends, for it is useless. If you're not in my shoes, you cant understand. Donovan should be used to this by now and must just stand up and be a man. He did not create the situation, but he must deal with it. Again, I am tired of his whimpy approach. Get some counseling or hang out with some folks that can help him. (Give him my email) This is just a mess for a team to be in and for the fans to live with this garbage. Get some darn players and lets move on. Signed, Tired of this crap!! See Ya!
Hi G,
I agree with your comments about McNabb's interview with Bryant Gumble, and I also think that Bryant Gumble is trying to stir the pot. He wants to create controversy for his own gain, and now he has, probably at all of our expense. I really like McNabb and loved Randall in his time as QB. They were good players and that's what is important to me as a Philly fan.
Thanks and like you site,
Chuck
