Leave Donovan McNabb Alone: Yo Philly, Enough Already

I don't get much reaction to my stories, but I believe this one statement will get me some feedback: Give Donovan McNabb a break.

He's the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 and likely in 2010, barring an injury. Granted, he wants assurances in the form of a new contract and to have the Eagles say as much.

During the Super Bowl, a week ago Sunday, he was quoted as saying:

"

"We were up, 25-24. [The Cardinals] drove down 72 yards by running the ball—probably, what, eight times? And it reminded me so much of [the NFC championship game in] St. Louis where, coming back in that second half, they ran the ball nine times with Marshall Faulk to keep our offense off the field. Because they were terrified of us going back out and scoring more points."

"

Did he throw the defense under the bus? Probably. He claims that he didn't and that the guys on the defense know what he is talking about.

Sometimes, journalists and athletes do not mesh well together. That is the case here. All Donovan has to worry about is his teammates. In an attempt to be honest or funny, he usually falls flat on his face.

Comcastsports.net journalist Kevin Murphy caught up with McNabb at a Syracuse-Villanova basketball game recently. Murphy, who was doing his job, asked, "Did you learn anything from watching the way the quarterbacks performed in the last two minutes of the Super Bowl?"

McNabb's response: "No."

What is he going to say: "Yes, I wish I could do that too," "Yep, I took notes"? But instead of further blowing off Murphy, he did say, "It was a great game."

Les Bowen, on Daily News Live, said McNabb answered the questions as more of the same questions he has already answered.

Besides making peace with the defense, he did confirm that he is to meet with Joe Banner and Andy Reid after the head coach returns from Hawaii, where he coached in his fourth Pro Bowl.

He said a lot will be discussed behind closed doors, anything from Hawaii, to the food, to getting more weapons.

As Brian Dawkins said recently, McNabb plays better when he has a chip on his shoulder. That does not mean McNabb will ever say benching him in Baltimore was a good thing.

But he is the franchise quarterback and let there be no doubt about it: As long as Andy Reid lives and breathes as coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Donovan McNabb is his quarterback.

Is he the most media-savvy guy? No. Does he often have "foot in the mouth" disease? Yes. Has he ever won a Super Bowl? Hmm.

I will give him a two-year window to complete that goal. Remember, John Elway was in his late 30s when he won his first Super Bowl.

Donovan McNabb is always truthful, and that is what gets him in trouble.