Posted on 02/01/2007 4:56:05 AM PST by 7thson
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2007) -- Donovan McNabb doesn't want to leave Philadelphia, isn't jealous over the success Jeff Garcia had replacing him as Eagles quarterback, and wasn't muzzled by coach Andy Reid.
"The so-called rumors that have started, they're false," McNabb said. "I'm a Philadelphia Eagle and will continue to be a Philadelphia Eagle, hopefully, for more years to come, and hopefully will retire as an Eagle."
With that, McNabb began a 4-minute speech at the Super Bowl media center, where he was appearing at a news conference where Campbell's Soup announced it was donating 1 million cans to food banks nationwide. It was his first time speaking at length with reporters since tearing a knee ligament Nov. 19 and, as expected, McNabb had plenty to say.
"It's unfortunate we have to sit here now to discuss this," McNabb said.
McNabb's season-ending injury came in Week 11 against Tennessee. Before getting hurt, he was among the NFL's leaders in yards passing (2,647), touchdown passes (18) and passer rating (95.5).
With McNabb as a starter, the Eagles were 5-5. With Garcia under center, they were 6-2 and won the NFC East title.
"I was actually very happy for Jeff," McNabb said. "I know the fans of Philadelphia wanted A.J. Feeley and cheered for him, but I told Jeff he was brought in here to lead this team."
But while McNabb's season was over, the hubbub surrounding him was anything but.
One report in mid-January, citing unidentified sources close to McNabb, said the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback was upset Reid wouldn't allow him to travel with the team to the playoff game at New Orleans. Reid doesn't allow players on injured reserve to travel, and McNabb acknowledged that he was upset -- but only because he and other injured Eagles couldn't help their team.
McNabb, who has led the Eagles to four NFC championship games and a Super Bowl loss, also denied reports he was angry with how fans and players embraced Garcia's success; the perception that his mother didn't enjoy seeing the Eagles win without him; and the notion that Reid canceled a Jan. 19 news conference simply to keep him quiet.
"We both felt nothing good would have come out of it," McNabb said.
He also said the rehabilitation on his knee is going well and according to plan, and expects to be on the field when the Eagles open the 2007 season.
"It feels that it's getting stronger," McNabb said. "I'm able to do a lot of different things. I'm running in the water and feeling strong in the water. But it's a difference between running on land, obviously, and running in water."
Three major injuries in 5 seasons. Not too many GMs would be willing to take a chance.
Trade him while he's still marketable. Get the best QB in the draft (Russell from LSU?). Let Garcia lead the team for a couple of years.
If Philly could get someone with McNabb's talent and Garcia's fire, they'd be unstoppable.
the sooner the better
Maybe they are giving both QB's credit for the same game, when McNabb went wheels up and Garcia had to run in to the rescue..
ping
Are you nuts? McNabb is a Top-5 quarterback in this league, maybe Top-3. While I admit that his injury prospects will only increase as he ages, that is why Garcia was brought in.
Drafting a topflight QB is a crapshoot. Look around the league. Most several teams don't have a legitimate NFL QB at the starting position. The Eagles have 2, plus a decent 'backup' in AJ Feeley.
What the Eagles need is a nasty MLB with mobility -- somebody to replace Jeremiah Trotter next year or the year after. Another Corner would be nice, too.
I just checked and I'm guessing that they must be including the two playoff games against the Giants and Saints
That has to include the two playoff games.
Rush was right!
Bid Chunky Soup a fond farewell. Does this guy still live with his Mama?
The injury to Kearse was the biggest blow to the Eagles. If he stayed healthy, I think the Birds would have had a bye and another home playoff game.
Garcia is 37. How well do you think Garcia would hold-up over an entire season as QB? How long before opposing defenses start sitting on the short routes because they don't respect his ability to throw downfield? There have been a lot of QB phenoms who light up the league for half a season, defenses adjust, then they can't seem to get it done (Ty Detmer anyone?).
McNabb is 31. He is already adjusting his game & running less. I would say that he will miss an average of 2 games per year over the next 5 years. Garcia could play to age 42 in this league as a backup. He'd be dead in 2 as a starter.
Prior to Kearse's injury the Eagles were running guys in & out on the D-line to keep the legs fresh. As a unit they were dominant. When Kearse went down they couldn't do that as much & they wore down. The Saints essentially ran the
Eagles off the field in the 4th Quarter. With Kearse, that wouldn't have happened.
sixteen regular season, two playoff games.
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