GAMES – McNabb Deal Opens New Era in Philly Football

Now that it’s happened it doesn’t seem so easy to comment.
Although I remain surprised, nothing the Eagles do should startle followers. They’ve bargained with the hated Dallas Cowboys so why not the Redskins?
I did believe that if this were to happen, the organization would not send their star quarterback to gridiron outposts like Oakland or Buffalo. Despite the business nature of these things, Andy Reid would not have accepted such a proposal. Regardless of rumors of his diminished power within the organization, Big Red was determined to send McNabb, his first significant move as a head coach, to a location he could tolerate.
Donovan McNabb was a terrific selection in 1999, but his lack of accuracy drove many of the faithful crazy. Time and again the fastballs from Number 5 would careen into the turf or sail high and hard into the sky well above intended receivers. He made highlight reel plays before injuries took their toll.
McNabb was never involved in negative off-the-field issues and that counts for something in this day of the spoiled, rich professional athlete. The closest the Syracuse alum came to off-field controversy was the T.O. saga, but history has shown that Owens was the constant in those troubles.
Perhaps McNabb was too sensitive, but most annoying was his intention to be “funny” when comedy was as far from his skill set as the touch pass. His most recent idiocy was the air guitar performance just before the Dallas game. Quite bothersome.
Over the years, it’s been obvious that Reid throws the football too often and puts his quarterback into difficult situations. It’ll be interesting to see how offensive guru Mike Shanahan handles McNabb. The Washington coach has acquired veteran backs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker so it appears McNabb won’t shoulder the load in D.C.
Shanahan has a resume of working with quarterbacks, although McNabb is not John Elway or Steve Young. If Shanahan runs a balanced attack Redskin success will re-write McNabb’s legacy and point all blame fingers at Reid.
If Shanahan gives McNabb more latitude to call plays in the two-minute drill and allows the veteran quarterback to hand the ball off more often, Reid will become the lone scapegoat for the “close but no cigar” fate of the Birds during their joint tenure.
Monday media reports indicated the Redskins made overtures in January about McNabb. Shanahan clearly has plans for his latest star quarterback.
The 37th pick in this draft and next season’s third or fourth round selection for a 33-year-old with an injury history and accuracy issues seems fair. The 2010 college talent pool is deep, according to prognosticators. Acquiring additional pick gives the Birds flexibility to select the so-called “impact player” in the top 10 of the draft.
Kevin Kolb steps into the harsh glare but appears somewhat prepared for the pressure cooker that accompanies the quarterback position. Fans are love and hate in this region and they take their football seriously. To his credit, Kolb seems highly mature and bred for the pressures behind center. His interviews reflect calmness and a deep familiarity with the pressures of the position.
Kolb’s father is a football coach. That counts for something when it comes to a lifetime of film study, game preparation, practice intensity and all the trimmings. Everyone knows that the Houston alum’s arm strength does not compare to McNabb’s rifle, but bull’s eye accuracy is what Philadelphia seeks.
If Kolb can pinpoint tosses to his array of pass catchers they’ll gain considerable yards after the catch. He needs to get the ball out quickly and avoid costly sacks and he must throw the ball away when necessary, especially on early downs.
A pocket passer like Kolb will aid the offensive line.
They’ll know where he his as they battle opposing behemoths. McNabb’s tendency to stretch plays often left his teammates wondering where he’d wind up and which blocking angle they should take.
Michael Vick’s presence remains my concern. He may lurk over Kolb’s shoulder with each interception or incompletion. Dick Vermeil helped Ron Jaworski become a solid NFL quarterback by staying with the Polish Rifle no matter what. As Jaworski developed and learned from his mistakes, the entire team improved around him.
If Kolb’s going to be successful, he can’t be leaving the field in favor of Vick’s schoolyard antics. Reid will hinder Kolb’s ascension if he prepares game plans with Vick taking a dozen or so snaps.
The man I wanted to fill the back-up role signed quickly with Carolina. A.J. Feeley is the consummate NFL back-up QB. He’s competent and doesn’t make noise about playing time. My guess is the Birds were surprised at how fast Feeley signed elsewhere and would have loved to have him as Kolb’s confessor.
Now that all of these quarterback names have been bandied about, I’ll leave you with one more. What if the Birds use Vick as draft day trade bait to move up a couple of slots and then find a way to acquire Florida’s Tim Tebow?
I know it sounds crazy on many fronts, but strong leadership can never be undervalued in any organization. Tebow’s a born leader with charisma, fire, and role model values. Just a thought.
Reach Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net
.