So it's now looking like Donovan McNabb will most likely be gone from the Eagles, probably in the next few weeks.
My views on Donovan have been stated numerous times over the years- he's clearly been one of the best quarterbacks in the league for his entire career, he's brought the Eagles more success than they'd experienced in decades prior to his arrival, and even if he's never been appreciated since the day he was drafted, he certainly will be once he's gone.
More than any other athlete, McNabb has fallen victim to the Philadelphia fan attitude of "if you haven't won a championship, you suck and I hate you." I expect the Anti-Eagles Movement, from talk radio to the sports bars, to find a huge hole in their lives once they don't have Donovan to kick around anymore.
I would love for him to be a Viking, as they're as perfect a fit for him as there is in the league- a ready-made contender, same offense, strong supporting cast, head coach and QB coach who are his friends, a city that WOULD appreciate him- but the Vikes are content to wait for Brett Favre's decision, even if it comes in mid-August again. What a shame.
I agree with Iggles Blog's take:
Since 2004, when McNabb really hit his stride throwing the ball, look at those numbers. In three seasons -- 2004, 2007 and 2008 -- McNabb had better numbers than the guy who won it all. To believe that McNabb wasn't good enough to win a Super Bowl when he was better than the guys who, in fact, did, requires such tremendous mental contortions that it's no wonder critics settle on things like "well, he just smiles too much is all."So congrats Eagles fans. You may not make the playoffs next year, or have a winning record, or any hope of a championship, or even much reason to think you'll be playing meaningful games for much of the season. But at least you'll have a quarterback who doesn't smile at the wrong time, or annoy you with his press conference answers. Because that's what's really important.
...or have too much melanin in his skin.
Posted by: Jeremy at March 25, 2010 08:00 PMI am an Iggles fan, and I always will be, but I have to admit that this is right on the money. My fellow fans may be my douchebags, but they are still fucking douchebags. I really hope Don does not go. If he does, I will still root for him.
Posted by: Jordan at March 25, 2010 08:05 PMI am an Eagles fan and upset that they are even thinking about trading McNabb. Why do Eagles fans hate McNabb but love Jaws or Cunningham? They also did not win the big game but they are still praised in Eagle Fandom.
Posted by: Christie at March 25, 2010 09:21 PMAgreed with the other two Philly fan commenters. I can't stand D-Mac haters, and will be very disappointed if the Eagles let him go.
Posted by: Lex at March 25, 2010 10:15 PM