What to Expect from Donovan McNabb in 2009

With our first Eagles preview of the season, I'd like to take a look at the most important position on the field, quarterback.  Every good preview contains a better post-view, so let's first take a look at Donovan McNabb over the last 10 years.

McNabb was drafted second overall by the Eagles, behind No. 1 pick Tim Couch, in the 1999 NFL Draft.

He saw his first NFL regular-season action in the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 19-5 home loss. The next week, he made his first career start at home against Washington, completing 8-of-21 passes for 60 yards in a 35-28 win. He also led the team to a pair of successful two-point conversions (one rush and one pass).

With the win, McNabb became the first Eagles rookie quarterback to win his first NFL start since Mike Boryla (Dec. 1, 1974, against Green Bay).

Donovan went on to start six of the final seven games throwing a total of eight touchdowns, nearly 1,000 yards passing and running for more than 300 yards. Not a bad rookie year considering this too was Andy Reid’s coaching debut.

Over the next nine years, McNabb went on to throw for over 28,000 yards and 186 touchdowns, while running for another 26 touchdowns and an additional 2,800 yards.  During this time span, he has also led the Eagles to five NFC Championship games, winning one. 

Much has been said about McNabb’s apparent breakdown in big games. Though a 1-4 record in NFC Championships hardly discourages this train of thought, it can also be said that the team “overachieved” with a surrounding cast of second- and third-tier receiver talent in all years but 2004 (it is worth saying T.O. was absent for the playoff victories due to injury before returning for the Super Bowl loss).

In this, McNabb's 11th year, what can we expect from the veteran? All signs point to an outstanding opportunity for this quarterback. Insider word is that the Eagles' coaching staff has revamped the offense to suit McNabb’s playing style better. 

Donovan’s strength has always been the long ball, with the Eagles spending nine out of the last 10 years with sub-par overall receiver talent, it has been next to impossible to take advantage of this strength. 

This year, with starters Kevin Curtis and DeSean Jackson returning, as well as the addition of heralded 2009 first-round pick Jeremy Maclin, the Eagles will finally have the speed on the field to suit McNabb's strengths as a quarterback. 

Look for longer throws, better timing, and a wide-open Jason Avant pulling in 60 balls. It is hard to argue any team in the NFC has had a better off-season than the Eagles, and with the added support for McNabb on both sides of the ball over the last two off-seasons, this is looking like an excellent year for Donovan. 

My prediction: 4,100 passing yards for 32 touchdowns. This would make it McNabb's top season to date.

(Article from www.thephillyeagles.com)