It may have been an audition for next year's job. Donovan McNabb looked good in front of Minnesota head coach Brad Childress, who coached previously for the Birds and will probably be shopping for a quarterback during the off season.
The Birds went into Sunday’s game knowing they were going to have to throw the ball a great deal against a Minnesota defense which is very strong against the run. Andy Reid probably slept very well the night before the game because he knew he could be his “pass happy self” against the Vikes. Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who I think is probably playing his last season in Philly, had a good game, completing 23 out of 36 throws for 333 yards. Donovan threw a shuffle pass to BWest for a score. Good call Andy and Marty. McNabb threw the ball well for most of the day, but he cost the Eagles 4 points when he missed L.J. Smith in the back of the end zone.
Message to all the people who are anxious to see Donovan McNabb head elsewhere, it seems Donovan’s legs are getting stronger and healthier each week he plays. On one play, McNabb used his legs to escape the rush and let one go to Reggie Brown who did an outstanding job making the catch and keeping his feet in bounds. He made other outstanding throws and got some help from his wide receivers.
This was the kind of passing game which Andy Reid touts. McNabb spread the throws around to quite a few of his receivers. Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis, Greg Lewis and Brian Westbrook all were thrown the ball a few times and given a chance to make plays. Thankfully they made enough of them. Yes, to my surprise, the Eagles wide receivers including Reggie Brown are still playing in the NFL. Brown made a major contribution with 8 catches for 105 yards. Curtis did something I hope we see more of. He went up and took a ball away from a defender. The Birds receivers have to be hungry for the ball, when it’s in the air.
Right now the Vikings are a bad football team because they can’t throw the football. All their quarterbacks are garbage. Could you imagine how good they would be if McNabb were to wind up there next year? You could understand why Brad Childress is already in the market for help at that position because they have other strengths which are exceptional.
