Donovan McNabb: What He Should Expect When He Returns to Philadelphia

Donovan McNabb will lead the Washington Redskins into Philadelphia on Sunday for one of the most anticipated games on the NFL schedule this season. Not so much for the fact that it will result in an earth-shattering change in the NFL standings, but because of the return of Philadelphia's most loved—and hated—quarterback in history. 

McNabb, who was drafted in 1999 by the Eagles (more about this later) and played with them until 2009, passed for 32,873 yards with the Eagles, passing Ron Jaworski for the most passing yards in Eagles history. McNabb also led the team to seven playoff berths, including five NFC championship games and Super Bowl XXXIX, where they were defeated by the Patriots, 24-21.

After all the history between McNabb and the Eagles, here is what McNabb should expect when he comes to Lincoln Financial Field in the Red and Gold.

James Evens is a Purdue Student and Basketball/Football Featured Columnist for the Boilermakers, along with being a Writing Intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.

A Warm Welcome

McNabb, welcomed to Philly

Philadelphia fans are known as some of the most feared sports fans in the world.  They love nothing more than to cheer you when you are down, case and point, Michael Irvin's spinal cord injury in Philadelphia. 

It is highly doubtful that McNabb expects to be cheered coming into an unfriendly environment, because he was regularly booed when it was his home stadium.

Heck, that is how his relationship with the Philly fans began, with him being booed at the draft, depicted in the video above.

Don't be surprised if the Philly fans give Donovan a nasty feeling before the game starts, kind of like that step-son the step-dad beats...again.

Some Cheers

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 9: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws the ball in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys during the 2010 NFC wild-card playoff game at Cowboys Stadium on January 9, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo

Although Philly fans are known for their bad behavior, one would think there are still a few McNabb supporters out there.

McNabb was arguably the greatest quarterback in Eagles history.  He owns numerous Eagles records, and deserves the respect of his team.

It was time for the organization and the player to part ways, and it happened, so one would expect that some fans would understand that and cheer.  Not to mention the ones that cheer just because he is gone!

A Tough Philly Defense

Doug Benc/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Linebacker Trent Cole #58 and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley #97 of the Philadelphia Eagles bring down running back Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 26, 2010 in Jacksonv

Although they started off slow against the Packers and the Lions, the Eagles defense is far from a pushover.

This past weekend, they held Jacksonville to a mere 184 yards of total offense.  They confined high-quality running back Maurice Jones-Drew to 88 yards on 22 carries, causing a lot of fantasy mishaps—just ask this writer.  

Look for Trent Cole to have a big game this week against his former teammate.  The defensive end has already recorded 18 tackles, including three sacks.  He will surely be out for blood against McNabb.

Look for them to limit Clinton Portis to only a limited number of rushing yards and force McNabb to take control of the game, which will not turn out well for the Redskins.

Seeing Himself, But Younger, In Michael Vick

Doug Benc/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin #18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Eagl

When the Eagles traded Donovan McNabb, they invested their money in a young talent by the name of Kevin Kolb.

Little did they know that they would eventually turn to someone else to run the offense.

After Kolb went down with a concussion against the Packers, the underdog, Michael Vick, stepped in. Coach Andy Reid decided to stick with Vick even though Kolb was healthy.

Vick has played Greek God-like the passed three weeks.  He has racked-up 750 yards passing, completing 60 percent of his throws, and has thrown six touchdowns and ran for one.

The impressing part of Vick's performance so far has been his ability to stay in the pocket.

His newly-found skill to look at more than one option and optimize the routes run by the receivers, along with his ability to scramble, has made him one of the best looking quarterbacks so far this season.

An Eagles Victory

Doug Benc/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles leaves the field after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Eagles defeated the Jaguars 28-3. (Ph

McNabb and the Redskins have virtually no chance against the Eagles in this game.

Although a rivalry game, I expect a big time victory for Michael Vick, sealing his long-term future with the Eagles.  Putting down the "old" quarterback would make the fans embrace him, and could possibly lead to an NFC East championship.

Although the Eagles should win this game, if McNabb comes out with a big chip on his soldier and plays like the player he once was, they might have a shot.

Expect the Eagles to come out with a victory in this one and usher in the Vick era.

James Evens is a Purdue Student and Basketball/Football Featured Columnist for the Boilermakers, along with being a Writing Intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.