Saturday Stuff

Posted: October 22nd, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 30 Comments »

Okay, here’s my take on the return of McNabb.  No thanks.

First, the scenario I posted earlier today is about as likely as Megan Fox and Ashley Greene fighting over who has to make the beer run while the other stays to help me do some “draft research”.

This story tells you all that you need to know.  This summer Tom Brady felt like something was off with his passing.  He got his high school QB guru to fly in and work with him on some mechanics.  Brady made some minor adjustments and is off to a great start.  He’s on pace to put up some huge numbers and the Pats are 5-1 with the #1 offense in football.

The Vikings got off to a slow start and the coaches went to McNabb.  They wanted him to work on his mechanics.  McNabb immediately went into defensive mode and blew off the notion.  The Vikings are 1-5 and McNabb has been benched for a rookie QB.  Yikes.

We knew him as Donovan McNabb.  Or just Donovan.  Or simply “Five”.  I liked calling him Donnie Mac.  Now, he is Donnie Delusional.  The emperor has no clothes on and everyone is trying to tell him that, but he won’t listen.  (for you youngsters, go look up the emperor’s new clothes and you’ll understand)

Last year the Shanahans tried to work with Donovan on some issues.  He didn’t embrace the changes and didn’t adapt.  I gave him a pass for that because those guys can be awkward to deal with.  Now Donovan is with a coaching staff that is friendly.  They run his scheme.  They knew he had some issues coming in.  They didn’t expect Pro Bowl McNabb.  The Vikings knew what they were getting into.  And they still came away disappointed.

McNabb has 4 TD passes this year.  Chad Henne has 4 and he only played 4 games.  Alex Smith has 8 TDs and fewer passing attempts.  The numbers don’t paint a pretty picture.  If you watch the games, he also fails the eye test.

Donovan still has the talent to be an NFL starter,  but I don’t know where his head is at.  If he isn’t willing to admit some fault in the last 2 years and see that he must make changes, I’m not sure any NFL team will want him.  A stubborn veteran QB that can’t see his own decline is useless.  They walk around with a sense of entitlement and can poison a locker room.

In his last 21 starts, Donovan is 6-15.  In 14 of those games, his teams have scored 17 or fewer points.  Not good.  I didn’t even take the time to look for defensive or STs scores.

Could Donovan be a good backup?  Maybe.  He hasn’t been a true non-starter since his redshirt year of 1994.  In 1999 he was on the bench for the first part of the year, but was learning.  That isn’t the same thing as clearly being the #2 guy.  I don’t know if Donovan could handle being #2.

Even if he could wrap his head around that role, I would be nervous every time he spoke to the media.  Donovan is a good guy, but has a bad habit of putting his foot in his mouth with the media.  One unintentional comment from him that the media ran with could create a controversy when there shouldn’t be one.

Part of me would love to see him come back here.  I love Donovan McNabb.  If I ever meet him, I’ll gladly buy him a PBR, screaming viking, or a coke and shake his hand.  I would love to see him back as part of the Eagles family.  Unfortunately, I don’t think he’ll ever truly buy the notion of being a backup, especially here.  I don’t think he’ll ever make the changes necessary to get back to being a good starter.  It won’t shock me at all if this time next year McNabb is unemployed.  And that would be sad.  The tank isn’t empty.

* * * * *

Asante Samuel was interviewed by Tim McManus on 97.5 The Fanatic.  He was asked about the recent trade rumors and responded that he’s not thrilled that the Eagles don’t want him.  Asante did add that his feelings won’t affect his performance.  He understands the business angle of things.

Can’t say I’m all that fired up about this topic.  I’m ready for Asante to move on.  His tackling and off-coverage have worn out their welcome in my book.  I fully expect the Eagles to deal him in the offseason.  Then Nnamdi and DRC will start.  Joselio Hanson, Brandon Hughes, and Curtis Marsh will be the backups.  That’s still an outstanding set of CBs, especially if Marsh makes the kind of progress I anticipate.

I hope Asante has a great rest of the season so we get good return for him when we do go to make a deal.

30 Comments on “Saturday Stuff”

  1. 1 Anonymous said at 7:04 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    Also, Donovan is basically a lock to have a job on ESPN after his career. I see him just retiring to do that before (intentionally) becoming a backup, especially here.

  2. 2 Anonymous said at 7:10 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    I think he’s far from a lock. What’s stopping him from being stubborn enough not to listen to the constructive criticism in any of his future endeavors?

  3. 3 Anonymous said at 1:28 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    He’s been good every year when he was on ESPN.

  4. 4 Anonymous said at 7:42 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    The problem with Samuel’s comments is that they are not profesional at all, we get he’s not happy. He’s said it atleast three times since Aso has been here, by the way don’t think he has ever said that was a good signing. The other problem is it shows how me first he is, why does no one bring up this fact? Don’t forget he also said because of all the moves made this year he could see himself on the Giants, doesn’t care about winning atleast not first, he’s made that very clear. His top priorities are getting paid, and being top dog. I agree that he is as good as gone after this season but it still makes me mad that in a 2-4 season, one in which he hasn’t been great he’s still complaining about not being wanted, it is a joke. I can’t feel bad for a guy making millions of dollars.

  5. 5 Anonymous said at 7:46 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    The one thing to remember is that Asante just answered a question. He was asked point blank about it and answered. He wasn’t asked an open question and then shifted the conversation that way.

  6. 6 Anonymous said at 7:52 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    Yeah but still, if he hadn’t said the previous comments about how didn’t feel wanted then I would agree. I just don’t see why he needs to make such a big deal, maybe I missed it but did he ever publically support the Nnamdi signing? I don’t think he did, even Jackson, in the midst of a holdout did. So I mean it’s more the culmination of quotes for Samuel in my book.

  7. 7 Anonymous said at 7:58 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    I mean I guess he’s honest, but it seems like his response should have been something along the lines of “As a player you can’t think about those types of things, I just have to go out and play” The fact that it comes midseason when there are much bigger issues to this team right now than stroking his ego, he gave the wrong answer. You’re right it’s not a huge deal, but I think he’s been too much about himself and not the team.

  8. 8 Anonymous said at 8:52 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    I agree. There were plenty of ways he could have answered the question in a more professional way. Even if he is bothered, he could certainly have made it a point to emphasize his commitment to his team and teammates. If the commitment is truly there, this would have arisen naturally. Save the “business entity” talk for when you’re away from the mic.

    This whole commotion puts the Eagles in a tricky spot. How serious are they about trading him? Are they also looking into trading DRC and keeping Samuels? If they want to showcase Asante so they get maximum value for him, can anyone guarantee a guy like that won’t dog it if he feels it’s in his best interest?

    Meanwhile, DeSean is still without a new contract and he’s found a way to keep it on the down-low. Asante has been around long enough that he should know when and how to keep his thoughts to himself.

  9. 9 Anonymous said at 9:33 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    I know Asante makes 8 mil next year but the dropoff between him and DRC is substantial. You can save the money in other places, especially if you only have to replace one or two of the five S/LBs next year. DRC is playing as I predicted (as is Coleman) and Hughes or Marsh would be better, if Marsh is ready next year which is very iffy. DRC should be flipped says the broken record. Asante is also a leader of the team and helps the younger players… I think he’d actually make a good coach.

  10. 10 Anonymous said at 10:51 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    Megan Fox is a fairly obvious choice, but thumbs up on the underrated Ashley Greene. I like the cut of your jib, sir.

  11. 11 Anonymous said at 3:18 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    You both might like this:

    http://www.cutegirlpic.com/2011/08/ashley-greene-actress-from-the-movie-twilight-love-her-as-heroine/

  12. 12 Anonymous said at 11:39 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    While I was as big a supporter of 5 as they come, stick a fork in him, he’s done – hopefully he bows out gracefully.

  13. 13 Anonymous said at 11:41 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    As little chance I see of Donnie MC coming back after the season, I think the Vince (once was) Young experiment is even less desirable. Hard to predict at this point, but do we target a rookie qb, or take another shot at the free agent undesirables? This is obviously a question for the future, but considering that we own M. [insert injury prone themed headline] Vick, this might be a topic of discussion sooner than later.

  14. 14 Anonymous said at 11:45 PM on October 22nd, 2011:

    Agreed and insightful as always. It is probably nearly impossible to forget one’s former press clippings.

  15. 15 Anonymous said at 12:44 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    I couldn’t agree with you more about McNabb. He was great for the majority of his career while he was here, and he helped turn this franchise around, but he has not handled the end of his career well at all. He would purely be a distraction if he came back to Philly.

    In terms of Asante, I can’t say I am a fan of what he said, but I also can’t blame him. He was asked a point blank question and he answered it honestly. I’m curious as to why the Eagles were “openly” shopping Asante. They have had so much success in the past quietly shopping players, why change that strategy and publicly shop a guy if you may not get rid of him? It seems the only thing it can do is leave you with a disgruntled player.

  16. 16 Ben Hert said at 1:40 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    I’ve been really eager to hear about Marsh news since the whole Asante trading deadline thing. He looked great in training camp from what I saw and I heard great things. I’m curious as to his play style though. Do corners usually come into the league as press corners or as off coverage ball hawks, or just nothing in particular? Makes you wonder if older, veteran CBs like Asante or NA has an impact in the development of a young corners play styles.

  17. 17 Gary said at 1:58 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    I get that Asante was asked the question directly, but players are asked questions like that all the time. Sometimes you just have to give a boring answer and say something like “I’m not worried about that right now, I just wanna help us keep getting wins.” If you’re upset that the team is open to trading you, that’s understandable, but keep it between you, your agent, and the organization.

  18. 18 Anonymous said at 2:12 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    i really disliked asante’s body language after giving up this touchdown:

    http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d822f562d/Nelson-TD-catch

  19. 19 Anonymous said at 3:22 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y53-YC9irn8CUIj8lMRTHA

  20. 20 Anonymous said at 3:11 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    Tommy have you seen the Viking team !!! Even Tom Brady would have a hard time passing to this team …. Again Mcnabb is not appreciated here by some Eagles fans. Bobby Hoying era anyone or detmer peete era. My gripe against him is we didnt win a superbowl and he seemed relaxed about it. If he came here as a backup I would welcome him with open arms. He gave me many happy moments as an Eagle fan. Come back #5.

  21. 21 Andrew Saltz said at 7:09 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    Got me thinking: What would #5 order?

    Which also got me thinking: You run into ___________ (Insert current or former Eagle) at your local bar. You offer to buy them a drink. What would they order?
    #5 – Amstel (looks foreign and classy, really just another beer)
    Babin – Vodka and red bull
    Avant – PBR or High Life

    Any thoughts?

  22. 22 Steve H said at 11:06 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    Trent Cole: Everclear (None of that sissy stuff for this man)

  23. 23 Alex Karklins said at 11:46 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    Brian Dawkins: a cocktail of Old Grand Dad, Monster Energy Drink, and the tears of opposing receivers who have been punished for attempting catches in the middle of the field.

  24. 24 Anonymous said at 11:47 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    Awesome.

  25. 25 Alex Karklins said at 12:00 PM on October 23rd, 2011:

    Thank you, sir.

  26. 26 Alex Karklins said at 11:59 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    Asante Samuel: Arrogant Bastard Ale http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/arrogant-bastard-ale/1315/ It’s tagline is “You’re not Worthy,” Kind of appropriate.

  27. 27 Anonymous said at 12:55 PM on October 23rd, 2011:

    Mike Patterson: a blended-up Pot Roast.

  28. 28 Anonymous said at 1:05 PM on October 23rd, 2011:

    I might like that, come to think of it.

  29. 29 Anonymous said at 11:48 AM on October 23rd, 2011:

    More anti-Donovan stuff. This is getting sad.

    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/23/donovan-mcnabb-calls-questions-about-his-work-ethic-crazy/

  30. 30 Anonymous said at 2:16 PM on October 23rd, 2011:

    Tommy, I respect your work, but I have to say that this article is no better than what I’d find in a trashy gossip magazine.

    Don’t lower yourself to that level. Its all based on baseless rumours, Where are the sources?

    Yes, D Mac hasn’t played up to the level required and for him to be benched is understandable, but Mike Lombardi and his sources don’t convince me. Have you read some of his articles? He’s not the smartest man around and I can see why he jumps to sensationalism at the first opportunity, its all he has.