Donovan McNabb: 10 Ways He Can Salvage His Legacy To Finish 2010
Donovan McNabb has been through the wringer during the 2010 NFL season. The Washington Redskins quarterback has struggled almost from the season's outset with inconsistent play, interceptions and losses, as his team sits just 4-4 through nine weeks of the season.
McNabb appeared to hit his nadir in Week 8, when he was benched in the last few minutes of the Redskins' 37-25 loss to the Detroit Lions. In that game, the Redskins trailed just 31-25 when McNabb was benched in favor of backup Rex Grossman for the team's final two possessions.
However, all hope is not lost for McNabb in 2010. Here are 10 things the quarterback can do to salvage his legacy from this point on.
10. Stop Throwing Interceptions
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McNabb has currently thrown eight interceptions in 2010, compared to just seven touchdowns. He's thrown a pick in six straight games, and has thrown two passes to the wrong team in his last three contests.
Right now, McNabb is on pace to throw more interceptions than he has in any other season in his career. If he wants to salvage his reputation, he cannot hit that milestone in 2010. McNabb needs to make better decisions with the football, and can't keep throwing interceptions.
Obviously, not all of the picks have been Donovan's fault, but it doesn't change the fact that he needs to keep the ball in his team's possession if he wants to save his legacy.
9. Beat The Eagles
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McNabb has already done this once this season, but the Redskins' 17-12 win over Philly was less a result of anything McNabb did than it was a product of Philly's offense failing to find any semblance of rhythm.
Rest assured that with a healthy Michael Vick, the Eagles won't let that happen again. This time around, Donovan is going to have to beat the Eagles, rather than simply not losing to them. That means throwing touchdown passes, avoiding turnovers and sacks and keeping his team in front of Philly.
If he can win on Monday night, it will go a long way towards silencing many of his most vocal critics in 2010.
8. Get In Shape
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There have been rumblings coming out of the Redskins camp that perhaps McNabb hasn't been in the best physical shape since he arrived in Washington at the start of the season. His fitness level is not where they expected it to be, he's battled minor bumps and bruises and his play has slipped as a result.
The best way for McNabb to keep himself off Washington's bench is to get himself in shape. He needs to show his coaches and teammates that he's putting in the work necessary to regain his Pro Bowl form of 2004.
If Donovan does that, he'll see his numbers improve, and will hear more of his critics silenced.
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7. Win a Close Game
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One of the biggest knocks on Donovan his entire career was his nasty habit of folding in close games. The best way for him to get his legacy back on track is to win some nailbiters. Dodge some bullets. Keep his team in games they have no business being a part of.
If McNabb can do that, he might just salvage his reputation in 2010.
6. Beat The Giants
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The Giants might be 6-3 and leading the NFC East right now, but Sunday showed us that perhaps they're not as good as we may have thought.
So, if McNabb wants to get on the comeback trail, one of the best ways to do it is to beat up on New York. Not once, but in both of the teams' upcoming clashes. If Donovan can lead the Skins to a pair of wins over the Giants, suddenly they're in the driver's seat in their division, and McNabb would be a big reason why.
5. Lead a Comeback
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This goes hand in hand with winning a close game. The big knock on Donovan has always been that he can't lead comebacks. It's why Washington benched him in Week 8, it's why the Eagles lost the Super Bowl in 2004, it's why they were willing to trade him to D.C. in the first place.
If the quarterback wants to get his legacy in Washington back on track, leading the Redskins to a come-from-behind victory would be a great place to start.
4. Make The Playoffs
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This is a goal that's still well within reach for Washington and McNabb in 2010. They're just a game back of Philly in the NFC East, and with potential Wild Cards dropping games right and left, the Redskins are still very much a part of the playoff picture at this point.
If Washington can manage a playoff berth, many of McNabb's missteps since coming to D.C. would be forgiven.
3. Win The Division
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Despite sitting a game back of the Giants for the NFC East crown, Washington still has a very real shot at winning it's first division title since 1999. If McNabb can drag this lackluster collection of offensive players to the crown, all of his early season struggles will be forgiven.
Redskins fans long for the success of the 80's and early 90's, and if McNabb can win the NFC East, he'll be beloved by the Washington fanbase for years.
2. Win a Playoff Game
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The Redskins haven't won a playoff game since 1999. Donovan McNabb was brought to Washington to win a playoff game. If McNabb can snag that playoff win, Washington's fan base would immediately love him.
In this year's NFC, it's also eminently possible that Donovan could snag a playoff win or two. There isn't a single unassailable team in the NFC this season, meaning McNabb and the Redskins could easily get hot and tear off a win or two in the postseason.
If the quarterback can win a playoff game, his reputation would be even better than it was upon his arrival.
1. Win The Super Bowl
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I'm not saying the Redskins will win the Super Bowl in 2010. However, if McNabb can lead Washington to it's first title in 20 years, this team's fanbase will love him forever.
The best way for McNabb to rehab his image is to lead Washington to another title. He would erase all of those big game doubters and almost guarantee himself a place in the Ring of Honor at FedEx Field.
If Donovan McNabb really wants to rehab his image, this is the way to do it.
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