[dmzTahoe]

"If the coach says "sit down" then you sit down.

In this high-stake game, the coach will not tell him to sit unless the player (a) gives an indication to the coach that he can't go on and/or (b) the coach feels that the backup can do a better job than the "injured" player. I'd say that "a" happened, since a McNabb at 30% would be better than a 100% Detmer.

[discostu]

Actually I'd say there's a C which seems more likely to me: throwing in the towel. McNabb finished a regular season game on a broken ankle so his willingness to play through pain has been established. But by that point it was a 2 score lead and nobody on the Eagles team seemed to have any will left (the defense had just completely failed to stop Foster and the receivers were now running routes and not even turning around to look for passes), I think Reid gave up and felt there was no need to keep McNabb out there. BTW my thinking that is NOT a compliment to Reid.