This is gut check time for Donovan McNabb and the Eagles. McNabb was playing awful against the Dolphins when he sustained an injury to his ankle. It's arguable whether he could have come back and played or not but going forward it's gut check time.
I've been telling you for awhile that McNabb is out of here after the season. It's a foregone conclusion and he knows it. Still, he's established an outstanding resume here in Philly for being a tremendous warrior, despite all the controversy and nonsense that he's had to deal with while here. I want to see him battle the same way in this situation.
Anybody who knows anything about football, knows that McNabb is not a natural when it comes to playing the quarterback position. That's why you'll see him dribble the ball to receivers and be erratic with his accuracy. He's been able to fight through this and the fact that he was an option college quarterback who develped his passing skills to make it on this level. I've seen how hard the guy has worked.
He must refuse to let the poisonous atmosphere here in the city affect whether he's going to do everything he can to get back ready to play. I don't care that they're playing the New England Patriots. His job is to be ready to play. It's up to Andy Reid whether he goes with McNabb, but McNabb needs to get himself ready to play. A player has to always keep himself mentally prepared for battle.
I'll make no bones about it, I'll defend a player when I don't think he's being treated fairly. That's the way I see the situation with McNabb. If a guy will go out and battle, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, but I don't believe in mailing it in. That's why you saw me go after Jevon Kearse during the off season because I found out he was preparing properly.
I'm going to treat McNabb the same way. He knows he's out of here after the season, but he must battle like his life was on the line before he leaves. It's gut check time for him and I want to see him step up.
