
Donovan McNabb remains the focal point of the Philadelphia sports scene, good or bad, number five is always on the minds of Philadelphia sports fans. Only this time, the reason has to do with his inevitable departure from The City of Brotherly Love. On May 5th, ironically 5/5/10, McNabb is owed a $6.2 million roster bonus from the Philadelphia Eagles. Thus, the Eagles are rushed to make a snap judgment on the future of their quarterback situation (currently holding three under contract.)
With the annual NFL Draft approaching in April, now is an opportune time to pull the trigger and ship McNabb in return for a “top-42” pick as the team has requested. For a man that has take the Eagles to five NFC Title Game appearances in the last nine seasons, there has sure been much criticism during his reign. Simply put, it has not always been easy to be Donovan McNabb in the city of Philadelphia.
McNabb has probably been the greatest QB to ever don Eagle green, yet the sudden emergence of Kevin Kolb has forced the Eagles to make a decision on McNabb’s future. After all, Kolb’s career must get started at some point, before it is too late. One thing is for sure in the midst of this trade banter, The Philadelphia Eagles are moving in a different direction and are now using their youth to get themselves back to the top of the NFC.
With LeSean “Shady” McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, and Kolb among others, the future is certainly now for Philadelphia. All of these recent top draft picks have contributed as a part of Philadelphia’s talented pool of youth, forcing the team to move aptly in terms of their future. The only task now is to keep money and happiness hand-in-hand with these young athletes, making them want to stay with the team.
Keep in mind that McNabb has received a “raw deal’ from the Philly faithful, they who have been restless for a Super Bowl Title. Over the last 11 years, the fans have been McNabb’s greatest asset and detriment at the same time. It was the cheesesteak loving” Philadelphians who booed on Draft Day in 1999. Yet, the very same fans packed Lincoln Financial Field six years later to cheer on McNabb’s journey to Jacksonville for Super Bowl XXXIX and to, in the process, witness his career come full circle.
Head Coach Andy Reid has vehemently supported his star QB amidst a heavy dose of critics. The Reid-McNabb Era has been quite fruitful, yet has not provided a cold February trek down South Broad St. So instead, the Syracuse product that came in as a fresh 22-year-old kid with unheralded talent will leave as a 33-year-old man with unfulfilled dreams and a laundry list of injuries to boot.
Yes, that is right folks, during his 11-year tenure under center for the Philadelphia Eagles, McNabb has transformed from boy to man. He has made this transition swiftly over the years and has become a success, yet the ring still remains evasive.
Maybe this Reid-McNabb Era will go on, and this piece I am currently writing will mean very little. But as of right now, all signs lead to Kevin Kolb being the starting QB in 2010.
Rumors surfacing out of Minnesota and Oakland may actually come to be true very soon. Minnesota must play the waiting game for right now with gunslinger Brett Favre before being able to make a decision. While Oakland makes perfect sense and can occur in an instant. D-Mac in Black & Silver seems quite appealing to Al Davis, even if the price includes shutdown corner Nnamdi Asomughaand/or the Raiders’ 39th overall pick in this year’s draft.
McNabb’s personality would be a breath of fresh air compared with the likes of the hardcore “Raider Nation,” his light-hearted approach to this physically draining sport is admirable, but it was often an issue in Philadelphia, thus the same question will move with him: Would it be tolerated in a place like Oakland, where winning football games alone is something monumental for the organization?
“Raider Nation” has enjoyed just 29 wins since their Super Bowl XXXVIIappearance, the sense of urgency is crystal clear. McNabb would have to deliver. The Raiders’ Al Davis is indeed a gambler and is known for his blockbuster deals. In acquiring Richard Seymour, DeAngelo Halland Randy Moss(all in separate trades/seasons, of course) the Raiders have proved that they do not shy away from impact deals moves whether they work or not.
Another simple and obvious reason for this trade. JaMarcus Russell. Bruce Gradkowski. Charlie Frye. Need I say more.
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