2011 NFL Schedule: Donovan McNabb vs. the Redskins and the Top 5 Revenge Games

In a business as cutthroat as the NFL, it is only natural that teams and players experience some nasty breakups. This offseason is a great example as a number of big name players have been released by marquee teams in order to get under the salary cap.

It is not yet known where many of those released players will land but if their former team is on the schedule this season, expect them to give a little extra effort in order to show them that they made a mistake.

From Brett Favre taking down the Green Bay Packers in his first game back to Lambeau Field as a visitor to Joe Montana out-dueling his former understudy Steve Young, there has been no shortage of fantastic “revenge games” over the NFL’s history.

With so many players leaving their former teams on bad terms, there is great potential for a number of classic revenge games this season. Here are the top five NFL revenge games to look out for in 2011.

Shawne Merriman vs. San Diego Chargers

When:

Sunday, December 11 @ 4:15 p.m.

Where:

Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif.

The Back Story:

It wasn’t long ago that Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman was considered among the best pass rushers in the game. Merriman was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2005 and was a three-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection between 2005 and 2007 with the San Diego Chargers.

Merriman registered double-digit sack totals in each of his first three seasons in the league, including 17 in 2006. However as quickly as Merriman burst onto the scene, he disappeared just as fast. Merriman went through a number of issues over the next few seasons including an ACL tear and a domestic dispute with his now ex-girlfriend Tila Tequila.

A shell of his former self, Merriman was placed on waivers by San Diego late last season and was claimed by the Bills. Things didn't get any better in Buffalo, though, as Merriman suffered a season-ending injury literally 15 minutes into his first practice as a Bill. Despite that, Merriman looks to be rejuvenated and ready for a new start in Buffalo this season.

And the Winner is:

The San Diego Chargers. Although Merriman could very well have a bounce-back season, and he is certain to want to prove the Chargers front office wrong. Buffalo just can’t match up with San Diego player for player. The Chargers led the league in total offense and defense last season, but astoundingly failed to make the postseason.

With that in mind, the Chargers are sure to come into the 2011 season with a chip on their shoulders. In all likelihood San Diego will be back be back atop the AFC West this season, and the Bills simply won’t be able to match up. Merriman may get a sack or two and gain a measure of revenge, but the Chargers will ultimately come out on top.

Kevin Kolb vs. Philadelphia Eagles

When:

Sunday, November 13 @ 1:00 p.m.

Where:

Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa.

The Back Story:

After showing some flashes of greatness in a few starts for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009, Kevin Kolb was installed as Philly’s starting quarterback last season. The Eagles even went so far as to trade long-time starter Donovan McNabb to the division rival Washington Redskins. The Eagles were prepared to the hand the keys to the offense over to Kolb.

Kolb was injured in the first game of the season against the Green Bay Packers and in came the incomparable Michael Vick. Vick nearly led the Eagles to victory in that game and wrestled the starting job away from Kolb. An injury to Vick opened the door again for Kolb, but he was unable to regain his job, even after a vote of confidence from head coach Andy Reid.

With Kolb clearly unhappy as a backup, the Eagles honored Kolb’s request for a trade last week by dealing him to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft pick. The Eagles did well to give Kolb a chance to be a starter. However, Kolb will probably still be out for blood due to the way they yo-yoed him in and out of the lineup.

And the Winner is:

The Philadelphia Eagles. With Larry Fitzgerald, Todd Heap and possibly Braylon Edwards in the fold as weapons, Kolb has all the tools to have a great season in 2011. In fact, the Cardinals are probably the favorites to win the weak NFC West. Despite that, the Eagles look as if they may be the team to beat not only in the NFC but in the entire league.

In addition to an explosive offense that features Vick, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, the Eagles made a number of big acquisitions on defense as well. The signing of Nnamdi Asomugha gives Philadelphia perhaps the best stable of corners in the league, and Cullen Jenkins will be a huge help to the defensive line. With two presumably high-powered offenses this one could be a shootout, but the Eagles should be able to come out on top.

LaDainian Tomlinson vs. San Diego Chargers

When:

Sunday, October 23 @ 1:00 p.m.

Where:

New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The Back Story:

As arguably one of the greatest running backs of all time, it seemed as if LaDainian Tomlinson would spend his entire career as a San Diego Charger. Tomlinson is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 2006 while setting a league record 31 total touchdowns during the season.

Despite his success as a Charger, injuries began to catch up with Tomlinson over the last couple years of his tenure in San Diego. Tomlinson received a lot of criticism for not playing through a groin injury against the Indianapolis Colts during the 2009 postseason. After rushing for just 730 yards during the 2009 regular season the Chargers officially released Tomlinson.

Tomlinson signed with the New York Jets and had a resurgent season of sorts. Not only did he rush for 914 yards, but he scored six touchdowns, averaged 4.2 yards per carry and reeled in 52 receptions. Thanks in part to Tomlinson’s contributions, the Jets made it to the AFC Championship game for the second year in a row. Tomlinson will once again be a big part of the Jets’ running game this season, and he will get is shot at revenge against the Bolts.

And the Winner is:

LaDainian Tomlinson. While the Chargers should certainly have a much more successful season than they did last year, the Jets are among the AFC’s top contenders. Much of New York’s success in this game will have to do with their top-notch defense but it wouldn't be surprising to see Tomlinson circa 2006 make a one game only appearance.

Tomlinson definitely didn't leave San Diego on the best of terms. He was always a loyal soldier for the Chargers and he even restructured his contract in order to remain a Charger for life. What he got in return though, was a temporary trip to the unemployment line. With the Chargers organization largely unchanged since his departure, Tomlinson will be looking show that he still has plenty left in the tank.

Albert Haynesworth vs. Washington Redskins

When:

Sunday, December 11 @ 1:00 p.m.

Where:

FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

The Back Story:

The Albert Haynesworth that football fans know today is far cry from what he used to be. As a Tennessee Titan, the mammoth defensive tackle was among the best defensive linemen in the NFL. He was selected as an All-Pro in 2007 and 2008 and he was also named the Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.

Haynesworth’s dominance made him the crown jewel of the 2009 free agent class. As is often the case, Daniel Snyder and the Washington Redskins were unafraid to break the bank to sign him. Haynesworth agreed to a seven-year $100 million contract with the Redskins, $41 million of which was guaranteed. He was touted by the organization as the first toward returning to past greatness.

The marriage was a bad one from the start, however. Haynesworth was not as good as advertised during his first season in Washington as he recorded just 37 tackles and four sacks. Things only got worse last season as Haynesworth showed up to training camp out of shape and proceeded to fail a routine conditioning test numerous times. Haynesworth complained about the team’s 3-4 defense during the season and played terribly.

He was eventually suspended for the remainder of the season due to conduct detrimental to the team. Sick of his antics, the Redskins traded Haynesworth to the New England Patriots this offseason for a future fifth-round pick. The investment is low-risk, high-reward for the Patriots. However, Haynesworth has shown little to no desire to succeed in recent seasons.

And the Winner is:

The Washington Redskins. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think the Redskins really have any prayer of beating the Patriots, the talent gap is just too wide. What I do think, is that Haynesworth will be a virtual non-factor in the game and the season as a whole. The Patriots have been known to correct “problem children” like Corey Dillon and Randy Moss in the past, but Haynesworth is an entirely different animal.

Haynesworth seems to lack any sort of drive and does not seem to care how he plays now that he has gotten his pay day. By the time this game rolls around in December, Haynesworth could very well already be on injured reserve, be suspended or be released. If he does play I don’t expect much. The Redskins may not come out victorious, but they can rest assured that they made the right decision by giving up on Haynesworth.

Donovan McNabb vs. Washington Redskins

When:

Saturday, December 24 @ 1:00 p.m.

Where:

FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

The Back Story:

For a decade, Donovan McNabb was synonymous with Philadelphia Eagles football. As unfair as it may be, he was also synonymous with Philadelphia’s postseason failures. With his age advancing and skills albeit slightly declining, the Eagles saw an opportunity to go in a different direction prior to the 2010 season. They were ready for change and in fact traded McNabb to a rival in the Washington Redskins.

McNabb came into Washington with much fanfare and received more adulation from Redskins fans than he may have during his entire tenure in Philadelphia. McNabb and the Redskins started off well, scoring victories over divisional opponents in the Dallas Cowboys and Eagles. As well as the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers during the season’s first five weeks.

The honeymoon was short lived though, as Washington’s lack of supporting talent eventually led to a rash of losses. With McNabb scuffling a bit, head coach Mike Shanahan made the perplexing decision to install Rex Grossman as the new starting quarterback. He insisted it wasn't an indictment of McNabb and the organization maintained that McNabb would remain with the team for another season. Except the writing was on the wall.

McNabb’s disappointing time with the Redskins came to an end this offseason when he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for two sixth-round draft picks. Despite having no decent quarterback options to speak of the Redskins were forced to deal McNabb due to their unnecessary alienation of him.

And the Winner is:

Donovan McNabb. Not only did McNabb benefit from getting away from an organization as backwards as the Washington Redskins. He also landed on a pretty talented Vikings squad that is just over a year removed from an NFC Championship game appearance. The loss of Sidney Rice at wide receiver is sure to sting, but with a strong running game powered by Adrian Peterson and a passing game led by the electric Percy Harvin, the Vikings should be solid in 2011.

It will be interesting to see what sort of reaction McNabb gets when he returns to FedEx Field. I would expect boos, but the fans should really direct their ire at Washington’s front office and coaching staff. McNabb certainly wasn't given a fair shake in Washington and if anyone knows that, it’s him. A 300-yard, three-touchdown performance is not out of the question for McNabb. In fact, he owes it to the Redskins to show them what a big mistake they made.