Time Is On My Side Yes It Is …………Time Is On My Side ………. Oh Really ?
For me one of the biggest disappointments of the NFL postseason, was to see the Philadelphia Eagles go down in a whimper without so much as a ‘bang’ against what appears to be a redemption seeking Dallas Cowboys’ team led by their quarterback, Tony Romo.
And while the Cowboys go on to the divisional round of the playoffs, where they’ll next meet the Minnesota Vikings for the right to a berth in the ‘NFC championship game’. The Eagles will be left at home, sitting and pondering as to what might’ve been and why their postseason aspirations inexplicably went up in smoke. With the defending Superbowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers having not even made the playoffs. The state of Pennsylvania and ‘its ravenous NFL fans’ are without either of their NFL representatives in the latter stages of the playoffs. Talk about tough , well let’s just say stark and dank times have hit the state sport’s wise, just as much as the demise of the ‘steel industry’. Stop bitching and whining those in the state of Michigan , other than the Red Wings and the ‘Wolverines’ and ‘Spartans’ , there’s not much to speak off when it comes to sports in the state of Michigan. I mean for God’s sake you’ve still got the Detroit Lions trying to eke out a living as an NFL franchise. If it were a race horse it would’ve been euthanized long ago ! And the Detroit Pistons of the NBA , has shown about as much athleticism and competitiveness as Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert combined, were they being recruited by the US Marine Corps. Yes sir, these are dark times indeed for the states of Michigan and Pennsylvania when it comes to sports on various fronts. That’s unless one counts the resurgence of the Phillies in Major League Baseball (MLB) as something to be proud of ? Well there you have it.
Courtesy of The Philadelphia Daily News
By Michael Smerconish , of the Philadelphia Daily News
Everyone has an opinion about Donovan McNabb, including me. I say bring him back, but with a qualifier. He needs to see a shrink. Because my armchair analysis tells me that what ails him is in his head.
He’s the Sybil of the NFL.
The only thing consistent about McNabb is his inconsistency. On the field, it’s been well-documented. Flashes of greatness followed by depths of despair. A week of Hall of Fame-quality play and then an afternoon of utter offensive collapse.
It’s the same off the field.
There’s the McNabb who played the air guitar and banged the plexiglass while making an entrance at Cowboys Stadium. And the McNabb who sinks into an emotionless stupor on the sidelines.
The McNabb who cracks a nervous smile after a poor throw or a bad play. And the McNabb who is professorial during the postgame press conference.
Like an actor, he seems always “on.” We watch back-to-back subpar performances against the hated Cowboys to end the season.
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With the dust having settled within Philly, it appears that everyone and anyone is looking to apportion blame on someone for the franchise’s lackluster performance in the first round loss to the Cowboys. Having lost to them embarrassingly twice, during the regular season. The thought was that ‘the team’ would be able to at least redeem themselves in the playoff game. Instead, it was another altogether lopsided loss and where the only respite may well have been the play of Eagles’ wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Everyone else it appears , may well have been asleep at the wheel including the entire coaching staff of head coach, Andy Reid.
Courtesy of NFL.com in conjunction with the Associated Press
Reid’s call: McNabb ‘a great player,’ will be an Eagle next season
Philadelphia — No. 5 will return to the Eagles for a 12th season.
Eagles coach Andy Reid squelched speculation about Donovan McNabb’s future, saying Monday that the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback will be back with the team next season.
“That’s my call,” Reid said. “I think he’s a great player. His work over the last 11 years has proven that. I truly believe it’s a team sport; it’s not one guy.”
McNabb’s status was questioned because he has one year left on his contract and he has failed to lead Philadelphia to a Super Bowl victory in 11 seasons. McNabb has led the Eagles to five NFC title games — going 1-4 — and one Super Bowl appearance.
McNabb had one of his finest seasons in 2009, but he struggled badly in consecutive losses to Dallas. The Cowboys beat the Eagles 34-14 on Saturday night in an NFC wild-card playoff game.
After the loss, McNabb said he wanted to return to Philadelphia. He also said he’s open to discussing a contract extension. The Eagles reworked the final two years of McNabb’s deal last summer, giving him a $5.3 million raise. That would seem to make it unlikely they would extend his contract beyond 2010.
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And now with the anguish of the Eagles’ fans having seen the team fall once again. It appears that the organization will have to take a serious and inward look as to the failures and frailties of the team, as a whole. It isn’t just about the play of veteran quarterback, Donovan McNabb and the lack ‘a real leader’ on this roster . But somehow, without a playmaker on the team and their lack of being able to steer adversity in the face and handle it well. For all sense and purpose they just seem to have that inevitable fate about them when it comes the NFL playoffs. You seem to know what to expect of the team one way or another. It’s either they play well above expectations with an exemplary style and guile to their play or they have a complete meltdown and become just a complete anathema to their fans in general and to those watching. As to why this all happens is anyone’s guess. But clearly neither coach , Andy Reid or McNabb as a player , can give a precise explanation as to why the team fails so often with increasingly regularity in the playoffs. Other than with the lone Superbowl appearance with Terrel Owens in tow under Reid’s tenure, the Eagles have stumbled at every conceivable obstacle placed in their way. And even then, in the game- the Superbowl loss to the New England Patriots. It was to Owens of all people that team had to look to, to give a bravura performance on the day. It certainly didn’t come from McNabb or the so called ‘Fedex Fast’ Freddie Mitchell. And Mitchell made his presence felt about as much as ‘The Invisible Man’. The same can be said of his less than instinctive hands ! The resultant 24-21 loss in ‘Superbowl XXXIX’ was a bitter pill to swallow for the team.
Come full circle and though the 34-14 playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys was bad enough. It was the ‘complete lack of attitude and determination’ shown by the Philadelphia Eagles that may well have been hard for the Eagles’ fans as well as the watching public to endure and bare. God knows the ineptitude shown by the team was totally unbelievable. Reid may well have made multiple postseason playoff trips and coached several NFC championship games. But I doubt he’s ever had a team of his, perform so badly in the NFL postseason, as this team had at Cowboys’ Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Organization wise and structurally, the Eagles have to be viewed as on the better ran teams within the NFL. But what may well be lacking, is a general manager with an insight as to the real inherent needs of the team. And with Tom Heckert , the present general manager now leaving to join Mike Holmgren in a similar position with the Cleveland Browns. The Philadelphia Eagles and their owner, Jeffrey Lurie and Team President Joe Banner will be in need of another executive to fill the void left by Heckert. Though it has to be said that in large part it seems to be Reid and Banner who have been making many of the personnel decisions over the years concerning the team. They’ve had their hits and they’ve had their misses. More hits than misses one can surmise. Though it has to be said that when McNabb was drafted out of Syracuse. The fans were none too pleased with the choice. Fate as they say would see a change of heart in the fans over the ensuing years since. Though at times they’ve railed against him and they now appear to doing so again at present. A decade later and the ‘jury’ still seems to be out on McNabb.
Courtesy of NFL.com and in conjunction with Associated Press
McNabb’s future once again an issue after loss
ARLINGTON, Texas — After another season ended in the playoffs for Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles, a familiar question expects to linger in the offseason.
What is McNabb’s future with the Eagles?
“I say it every year,” McNabb said after Philadelphia lost to the Dallas Cowboys 34-14 in the opening round of the playoffs Saturday night. “I want to be here and don’t want to be anywhere else.”
The 11th-year Eagles quarterback had his contract restructured this past summer, but didn’t get an extension past the 2010 season.
While Philadelphia has made the playoffs eight times with McNabb, the Eagles haven’t won the Super Bowl trophy that has long eluded the franchise.
Because of those postseason failures, the question has come up several times whether the Eagles need a new start with someone other than McNabb.
When asked if McNabb was going to be the starter in 2010, coach Andy Reid responded: “Yes, I do.”
McNabb was 19 of 37 for 230 yards with a touchdown and an interception as his career postseason record dropped to 9-7.
The Eagles had won their first game in seven consecutive postseason appearances since Reid became coach. McNabb was the starter in six of those victories.
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With just a year left on his contract, McNabb and the Eagles have some serious decisions to make. The window of opportunity for not only McNabb and Andy Reid seem to opening and shutting repeatedly. But with each passing year and with diminishing quarterbacks skills and Reid’s somewhat less than exact determination, things for the team just seem to be set on that inevitable path of failure on appearance. In Kevin Kolb they have what one can consider to be an able backup and some might perceive a capable quarterback. But thing is ‘…can ‘he deliver in a big game when it really counts and when all is said to be on the line’ ? This is the answer that no one seems to know and they have yet to witness for themselves within the organization and by the fans themselves. They’ve seen only fleeting glimpses of the player and it’d be idiotic to suggest that Michael Vick can deemed to be McNabb’s successor in waiting. He may well have been signed by the team, merely as a way of allowing the player to redeem himself back within the ‘fraternity’ of the NFL. But Vick as a ‘long term option’ for the team at the position is definitely a none-starter ! He’s shown glimpses that he can still play and be exhilarating and electrifying all in one move but the tendencies for errant plays and signs of rust are still there. And that’s not what is needed by the team or the organization at this time or for the foreseeable future.
The Eagles could trade McNabb but would there be any takers for the veteran qb ? At the same times does McNabb feel that he can lead this team to where they desire to be ? As good a player as he’s been over the years ,with the acclaim he’s received and the Pro Bowl appearances. I simply view Donovan McNabb as one of the better quarterbacks within the NFL. As a leader , I seriously doubt that he has all of the prerequisite qualities shown by the likes of Drew Brees >, Kurt Warner, Philip Rivers , Peyton Manning , Tom Brady or Ben Roethlisberger. In many pundits and fans’ eyes he might be viewed as an elite quarterback within the NFL. I view him still as a ‘top ten quarterback’ within the league but as ‘an elite quarterback’, at this juncture I’m not so sure that he’s still got what it takes. Time inevitably catches up with all. For some it’s sooner than it is for others . But it now appears that it has not only caught up with the Philadelphia Eagles and for Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid in particular. But it’s my belief that it is now beginning to devour them both to such an extent that they no longer look viable as candidates in their now presumed positions as a quarterback and coach within the organization. It’d be remiss to suggest that the game has passed them by. But clearly something is awry here both of these individuals. As to how to bring about the desired effect is open to a great deal of debate and speculation at this juncture.
As an outsider looking in and observing the Eagles , I think that whatever decision they make it will be one that’ll have a lasting effect as to its very existence and future. The decision itself won’t be an easy one for either Banner or Reid to make. And at the same time we won’t really know what McNabb , himself , will be thinking at this juncture. He’s saying all of the right things but saying something and it actually happening are two completely different things altogether. So let the chips fall where they may and let’s see what happens with the Philadelphia Eagles. Time Is On Their Side but really how much longer will it be there ? What are your thoughts on the matter at this juncture ?
Led by the ‘indomitable’ Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones’ rendition of ‘Time Is On My Side’
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Tophatal's Blog 
I think Andy Reid looks a lot like Rush Limbaugh, except that Rush was right about Donovan McNabb-a good QB, but not as good as the media thinks he is.
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David
Not to discredit Rush but what the hell does he really know about the game ? As to McNabb , if Limbaugh had a choice between McNabb and the Raiders’ JaMarcus Russell who the hell do you think he’d end up picking ?
McNabb in his first 6 years in the NFL , was good as any of the top 5 qb’s in the league at the time. But with recurring injuries , lack of confidence and the genuine fact that he’s not a ‘team leader’ . His skills have regressed with time and age.
As for Rush he’s still the ‘bigoted bloviate as_hole’ I always considered him to be ! His knowledge on any topic subject borders on the lack of intelligence shown by him and the likes of Sarah Palin.
His sound bytes daily aren’t meant to inform just to incite and that’s it. Sheep are following his crap not people of ‘sound intelligence’.
Alan Parkins
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Alan, you did discredit him, but this is sports, hey! Rush, about sports, he knew enough that ESPN hired him, if he didn’t have the credentials,they shouldn’t have hired him in the first place. Donovan was about as good as Neil O’Donnell. He had technical skills but lack of confidence and not a team leader is what made him less than an elite. This doesn’t say he’s not good (he’s in the NFL, he’s good!). I won’t sidetrack your blog with an argument about Rush, but if all you hear is sound bites, you’re getting the bottom of the barrel. Yuck.
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It’s only rock n’ roll, but I like it.
rock on brother!
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aero
As good as ‘The Rolling Stones’ are I prefer U2 all the more.
Need I say anymore on the subject ? ‘nough said !
I think that the Eagles as an organization have a great many number of issues to deal with in the off-season.One of them is most definitely McNabb and the other is lessening the influence and power of Team President Joe Banner.
What they team really needs is an in tune GM who actually knows the ropes and how to assemble a good roster. Heckert hit ‘pay dirt’ with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. And that’s about it as far as I can see with this Eagles’ roster.
Alan Parkins
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Ah well…..at least Steelers’ fans saw the Patriots go down to their clone team, the Ravens.
We can whine and complain cause we DID have the talent, except for some MIGHTY IMPORTANT cog teeth, namely Aaron Smith and Troy P. Maybe Smith not so much, but Troy? Absolutely.
Course this doesn’t comment on the Iggles and the Cowboys; you brought up the Steeler fans though.
I don’t see the Iggles doing at all well next year with McNabb…he knows the game but……
Think the ‘boys will lose at the Vikes…….we’ll see.
Your Patriots seemed so inept….prolly because another VERY IMPORTANT cog….Wes Welker…was missing, otherwise……Prolly still a loss, but.
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al clements
The Pats’ defense against the Ravens couldn’t be trusted to cover their ‘own a_s’ much less anything else. That display itself was absolutely horrendous and I’m not afraid to be critical of either Belichick or Brady as far as this goes. They both were inept on the day !
As to the Cowboys and Vikings , that game could go either way. It’ll be predicated just as much on offense as it will defense. Whoever ends up making the least mistakes ought to win the game outright.
Katie Price and Lucie Pinder would like to be your ‘extra special friends’. Wha’d ya’ say ?
Alan Parkins
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They didn’t really show up for the game… It was too bad I was hoping it would at least be somewhat close. I think losing Dawkins hurt their defense really bad this year. He was their leader. As for Mcnabb, not sure what he has left. It was the first time he lost in his first playoff appearance. Sadly I think he’s on the decline…
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chappy 81
McNabb’s game hasn’t evolved as he’s begun to decline with age and that has been what has led to a great deal of the criticism of him. Also the fact that as a leader he isn’t vocal enough.
That may well be the only thing that TO got right when he was critical of him of his stay there in Philly.
Alan Parkins
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I think the Eagles might be in a little bit of trouble here. The Cowboys seem to have done everything right and show no signs of slowing down.
Philly’s already invested in Andy Reid, which I think is a good thing and I’m pretty sure they’re going to stay with McNabb. But the Westbrook injuries have hurt them.
They really need an every down back to take some pressure off McNabb. Until they get that, I think they’re going to have a tough time in an improving NFC.
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Chris Humpherys
This may well have been Westbrook’s last year with the team. Repeated concussions and never mind the fact that he’s playing on gimpy knees won’t help his case.
‘Of course I’d like Donovan to remain with the team. I view him as our answer to Brett Favre. So whatever decision Donovan makes I think that we all can live with it’ ! Eagles’ Team President Joe Banner
With regard to McNabb , that’s now on a ‘coin toss’ as to whether he’ll be back or not. Joe Banner has too much say in the matter and it may well be not to Reid’s liking if McNabb doesn’t return for the upcoming season.
All of sudden seeing Roselyn Sanchez and a banana gives me a craving for exotic fruit ?
Alan Parkins
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David
Do you honestly think that ESPN hired Limbaugh for his knowledge of the NFL or for the ‘novelty factor’ ?
Limbaugh isn’t that bright or intelligent to begin with. His knowledge on the topics that he covers are extremely limited and the opinions offered up have no credibility whatsoever. !
Limbaugh much like the other dregs out there offering up political analysis are merely ‘wannabe’ entertainers and that’s it. Anyone who derives satisfaction from listening to their crap is need of a life !
And let me know how many Pro Bowls has Neil O’Donnell made of the course of his career ?
C’mon man if we’re going to discuss the topic with rationale at least throw ‘me a bone’ and not some asinine notion comparing O’Donnell and McNabb. It’s as Iverson once said to Larry Brown we’re talkin’ ‘practice’ ? And you’re comparing ‘O’Donnell to McNabb’ ?
Alan Parkins
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Guys ,
If the Eagles can’t find any consistency as to their play then in the coming years they’ll see the likes of the Giants and Cowboys will pull further away from ‘them’ in the NFC East.
And then it’ll be left to the Eagles and Redskins as to ‘who’ the ‘bottom feeders’ will be within the division.
Alan Parkins
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