From Matt, Hi "G", While the head to your column may deceive those who read no further, I understand completely where you are coming from. As a lifetime Philly fan who is now in his 40's,
I've never seen any single athlete face the type of scrutiny, ridiculously unfair coverage and downright rancor and personal disrespect as McNabb has.
I can write a ton more about this, and would love to (as both a sports fan and an author/writer) write a guest column on your site about it. For now, suffice it to say that here is a man who has had a very good to great career(Hall of Fame pace through 2005), has done and said (mostly) all the right things, has worked hard, presents himself with class and dignity, and he just gets savaged by so many in the media (especially on 610)and so many fans.
Do I wish to hasten the end of D-Mac's career in Philly? No. But, there is a limit to the amount of ignorant, idiotic comments, revisionist history and personal attacks that I can listen to. I'm a diehard Philly and Eagles fan, but at times I am embarrassed and ashamed to be a part of this sports community.
Gary, my only request is that you be even more forceful in presenting the truth when you are a guest with hosts like Angelo, Anthony, Steve, etc. I am amazed at the complete disregard for journalistic integrity in this town when it comes to Donovan (of late), and I regard you as one of the respected voices in this town.
From Stephen, G, where do you get that Eagles fans wanted AJ Feeley out of here last year? I disgree, and in fact, some thought he should have been the quarterback instead of Jeff Garcia. Feeley came into the Falcons game at the end of the year and threw for over 300 yards and 3 TD's, playing with backups against the Falcons starters!
Mcnabb, even though you refuse to acknowledge it, has dug his own grave.
1. "I'm not all to blame"
2. "People forget about all the success we had as a team" (said yesterday)
3. "black on black crime"
4. "black quarterbacks get criticized more than white quarterbacks"
5. "If I had to do the same play over again, I'd do the exact same thing" (LJ Smith play in Tampa game before halftime)
6. Team did not run to his defense during TO debacle. Also, the team's actions on the field when he is not QB speaks volumes.
Contrast his excuses, with AJ Feeley, who took 100% blame for the Patriots loss. That is what Philly wants from their QB, a guy who messes up and actually looks disgusted. Other Eagles players have been taking veiled shots at Mcnabb, but if you read between the lines…Tra Thomas and Greg Lewis also had other quotes, but here are two quotes after the NE game.
1. Sheldon Brown after the game on AJ Feeley "This isn't his fault. He played a heck of a football game. He's a heck of a quarterback. That's what a leader does. He takes criticism and puts the game on his shoulders. That's what he did: 'I lost the game.' He played a heck of a football game. I'd play with him any day of the week."
Possible translation: Mcnabb doesn't take responsibility for losses and doesn't put the game squarely on his shoulders as a leader would. Perhaps he is saying Mcnabb is less of a leader.
2. Takeo Spikes on AJ Feeley: "It was very misfortunate not to have '5' out there, but to have A.J. out there, other guys were able to be unleashed. Guys were able to show their talent. That's priceless…These guys came in and made plays over and over again. You can't put a price on confidence."
Possible translation: If the players unleashed with Feeley, the implication is that they were leashed with Mcnabb. Certainly seems like he is saying Mcnabb doesn't allow the receivers to make plays, whether it being holding onto the ball too long, or whatever. Team doesn't have confidence in #5.
From Charles, G, Once again, I agree with you wholeheartedly. I really feel for McNabb, because he has not done anything wrong to deserve this. All he has done is lead this team the best HE knows how. That seems to be not enough for the vultures in Philly who are definitely circling. What kind of fan or person roots against one of their own. G, must we not forget the state of the Eagles before this man arrived 9 yrs ago. The state of the QB position. Feeley is a career backup, Kolb is…well, we don't know what he is. He could be the next McNabb, Jaworski or he could be the next Bobby Hoying. Who would you want him to be? You just never know. But, this is about McNabb. That man comes from a strong black family, who support him to the fullest. Every word out of his mouth is scrutinized and it's been that way since he's been here. I really truly hope this hasn't crossed racial lines, but you know you just don't know. What's this 2007, is a insert any foul word here, shame. I will root for him for sure. Thanks for keeping it real and honest. It's just football people, it's not like you are fixing the murder rate in the city… Anger Mgmt classes are needed.
From LP, G, You are right. McNabb should leave for his sake. I personally think he has a superbowl in him but on another team that will give him the weapons. Unfortunately, he neither has the weapons nor the legs right now to please anyone. That being said, Feely neither has the legs, weapons, arm or the experience McNabb has. Yet this team tends to do better with a second or third tier QB. Strange at first but then you realize that those 3rd tier QBs know they aren't that good and play within the system. Notice how the OL does better against the pass with Feely & Garcia etc. Take a look at the number of sacks during McNabbs best years and compare it to those other QBs. Why do the coaches coach better with Feely and Garcia? Strange but this system may not be suited for McNabb. If they want McNabb here, give him some real weapons. A real tight end and a real #1 receiver. Nothing less than that cause he still has a good 5 years left. I think it's time to move on but lets face it other than Brady no other great QB has had fewer weapons. And when Brady had fewer weapons, he didn't get to the Superbowl. The problem with McNabb is that he doesn't bitch he whines. No one takes a whiner seriously. Bitchy people are shut up quickly with what they want or they are moved out.
