2010 Pro Bowl Philadelphia Eagles: Evaluating Donovan McNabb and DeSean Jackson

In a game where neither team’s defense seemed to show up, Chris Johnson scored the game-winning touchdown with just under six minutes remaining to give the AFC a 41-34 win over the NFC in the 2010 Pro Bowl. For the Philadelphia Eagles, they sent nine representatives after finishing the season 11-5 before losing to the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

No players may have had more attention focused on them in the 2010 Pro Bowl from the Eagles than quarterback Donovan McNabb and wide receiver DeSean Jackson. While McNabb trade rumors have been swirling since the team’s loss to the Cowboys, Jackson has been making headlines about wanting a new contract before next season.

DeSean Jackson Shines In Pro Bowl Debut

Jackson already made NFL history by becoming the first player to reach the Pro Bowl as both a wide receiver and returner. In his first career Pro Bowl, Jackson showed everyone why he was worthy of starting for the NFC.

Jackson was one of two wide receivers (along with Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers) to cross the 100-yard mark in the Pro Bowl. He finished with six receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns, including a screen pass from his teammate Donovan McNabb that resulted in a 58-yard touchdown reception.

The argument can be made that Jackson would have been named MVP of the game had the NFC won the game. However, there’s a chance he’ll get another shot at winning the award considering this most likely won’t be the last time we’ll be talking about DeSean in the Pro Bowl.

Donovan McNabb Struggles Through the Air, But Looks Like Old-Self on Feet

All of the rumors surrounding the future of Donovan McNabb as an Eagle seemed to make him a favorite among the media this week—but that’s a different article.

He was named to his fifth Pro Bowl when New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees made it to Super Bowl XLIV and couldn't participate. McNabb’s numbers may not seem all that bad on paper. He completed 3-of-10 passes for 78 yards and one touchdown. Not bad, right?

Wrong.

There were numerous times where McNabb over/underthrew his receivers, which is one of the most frustrating flaws about him. Sure, he threw for 78 yards, but 58 of those came off of the screen pass of Jackson’s touchdown, which is unfair to credit Donovan for.

He also threw an interception to Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley that would have resulted in a 64-yard touchdown, had the AFC not been called for a penalty for having 12 men on the field. To make things even worse, he threw an interception in the third quarter to his former teammate and Philadelphia fan favorite, Brian Dawkins.

On a positive note, McNabb managed to scramble around in the pocket like he did in his younger years, slipping through defenders left and right. Who would have thought he would have led all rushers on the NFC roster with 26 yards?

Dan Parzych Is the Eagles Fan Voice for NFLTouchdown.com.

He is also the founder of the new NFCEastFootball.com.