Donovan McNabb: The Scapegoat of Philadelphia

From Day One at the 1998 NFL Draft, he has been ridiculed, scrutinized, lampooned, and everything other word for disrespected and humiliation except maybe for being tarred and feathered. But for Donovan McNabb, his thick skin is now being tested at an all-time high. 

After coming up short for the fourth out of fifth conference title game in his career, McNabb is beginning to become the ultimate scapegoat. Despite having a career high in passing yards and winning the first two playoffs games against the Vikings and NY Giants on the road, McNabb was outgunned by Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals in the title game 32-25.

The Eagles' defense; who during the regular season had the best defense in the NFC (and third in the NFL); gave up 32 points. THIRTY-TWO POINTS to the Arizona Cardinals. And even down 24-6 at the half, Donovan rallied his offense to score three straight touchdowns to take the lead early in the fourth quarter.

But yet again the defense faltered and McNabb and the Eagles were unable to tie the game.

The NFC title game hangover has worn off and now fans want Donovan's head. I am going in the opposite direction: If you must get rid of one, get rid of the coach. Yes, I am referring to Andy Reid. Reid has had some success since he's been the coach but he hasn't delivered us a game plan in a tough game. 

In 2002 title game, it was a Tampa Bay defense that completely devoured the inept wide receivers that only allowed a single touchdown a 27-10 victory for the Bucs (and that wasn't only touchdown after Brian Mitchell took to opposing 20 on the opening kickoff). 

In 2003, it was the inept wide receivers and horrific tackling of the defense that sunk the Eagles 14-3 against Carolina. 

In Super Bowl XXXIX, it was the painfully slow clock management against New England, that despite being down by 10 midway through the fourth quarter, it wasn't enough to have the Eagles wake up a run a no-huddle offense.

And now this Andy Reid school of pass first, pass second, pass third, punt. The Eagles lost for two reasons. A: The most obvious was the defense played poorly in the first half and B: The balanced play-calling that worked against the Vikings and Giants was abandoned for the pass-happy offense.

Now Donovan wants a new contract and the Eagles front office aren't willing to give it to him. My suggestion: If you're not going to give him the money, take it and go get T.J. Houshmandzadeh via free agency, and draft a big back who can get tough yards like Ohio State's Beanie Wells, because "B-West" is looking like retirement at 32 is likely.

As for the fans, they must have short memories because I remember how horrible the Eagles were when they had Doug Pederson as their quarterback. Do you really what Kevin Kolb to lead your team? Be careful what you wish for.

You might see your former quarterback holding up the Lombardi trophy in a Purple and Yellow uniform and grinning his way to Canton.