Shutdown Corner - NFL

Shutdown Corner

Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:01 am EDT

If I were Donovan McNabb, I might hate you people

By MJD

I think most people were a little surprised at the raucous and overwhelmingly positive reaction that Michael Vick got from the Philadelphia fans last night. Every time Vick stepped on the field, it sounded like Rocky Balboa just stepped into the ring. When Vick completed a pass, it sounded like Rocky just knocked out Clubber Lang.

There's nothing wrong with that, of course. I'm glad that fans are supporting Vick as he tries to rebuild his life, and I can't blame Eagles fans for being excited about the acquisition of a potentially dynamic new player. The possibilities for Vick are endless. I'd be psyched, too.

But I can't help but wonder what Donovan McNabb(notes) was feeling when the crowd went bananas for Vick. I don't know if McNabb's ever been cheered like that in Philadelphia. And yet, the second a convicted dog murderer takes the field, he gets a reception like Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania III. I couldn't blame McNabb if he was standing there thinking, "Maybe I should start an underground gerbil-fighting operation."

I know there are a lot of fans in Philadelphia who do love and support McNabb; in fact, it might even be most fans. I think that's the right attitude. McNabb is one of the great quarterbacks of all time, and certainly the best Eagles quarterback of all-time. Consider:

McNabb is fourth among active quarterbacks in career touchdown passes, trailing only Brett Favre(notes), Peyton Manning(notes) and Tom Brady(notes). He's got the third-best touchdown-to-interception ratio in NFL history, behind only Brady and Steve Young. His career winning percentage is an outstanding .651. A paltry 2.09% of his throws are intercepted, which beats Brady, Manning, Joe Montana, Dan Marino or anyone else you want to name. He's the Eagles all-time leader in yards, attempts and touchdowns.

And yet, the relationship between McNabb and the people of Philly has always seemed rockier than it should be. There's been a ridiculous amount of support (which is to say, any support at all) for Kevin Kolb(notes) to take over as the starter. It's always seemed like there's been a groundswell of people who wanted to push McNabb out the door and find someone new.

At the very least, I think it's fair to say that McNabb has never enjoyed the kind of universal support that Brady has in New England, Manning has in Indianapolis or Ben Roethlisberger(notes) has in Pittsburgh. Even second-tier guys like Kurt Warner(notes), Drew Brees(notes) and Eli Manning(notes) seem to have more support in their cities.

McNabb's given his all to the franchise, in times when they've provided him with a good supporting cast, and in the times where they haven't. I just wonder if he felt a tiny bit underappreciated last night when a convicted felon walked into the game and got the kinds of cheers that McNabb hears way too infrequently.

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1064 Comments

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  1. jacob
    1. Posted by jacob Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:21 am EDT

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    they should change their mascot to pitbulls
  2. AgentUtah
    2. Posted by AgentUtah Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:27 am EDT

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    Yeah, I can't say I get it either. Don't forget McNabb teams knocked Vick teams out of the playoffs twice.
  3. Steve
    3. Posted by Steve Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:28 am EDT

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    The stat you're forgetting MJD:
    Of the last 9 seasons, McNabb has missed games in 4 of them.
    That's one of the biggest gripes Eagles fans have with him. And it might not be his fault he gets dinged, but Eagles fans come so close to greatness only to have injuries consistently mar their chances.
    Also ... Brady, Manning, the other Manning, Big Ben, Brett Favre all have Super Bowl rings. That's a thorn in the Eagles fan's paw that still irritates them. Again, not entirely McNabb's fault, but, something you have to keep in perspective when wondering why they don't back him like all those super bowl winning teams' fans support their super bowl winning team's quarterback.
  4. DelRegno
    4. Posted by DelRegno Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:29 am EDT

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    I agree McNabb very well could be a future hall of famer.
    As a Cowboys fan I hate it when we play the Eagles just because Donovan is so good.
    I was at the the MNF game where he was getting chased around for what seemed like hours in the backfield only to throw a perfect pass like 50 yards down the field.
    Truly a legend.
  5. Steve
    5. Posted by Steve Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:29 am EDT

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    The stat you're forgetting MJD:
    Of the last 9 seasons, McNabb has missed games in 4 of them.
    That's one of the biggest gripes Eagles fans have with him. And it might not be his fault he gets dinged, but Eagles fans come so close to greatness only to have injuries consistently mar their chances.
    Also ... Brady, Manning, the other Manning, Big Ben, Brett Favre all have Super Bowl rings. That's a thorn in the Eagles fan's paw that still irritates them. Again, not entirely McNabb's fault, but, something you have to keep in perspective when wondering why they don't back him like all those super bowl winning teams' fans support their super bowl winning team's quarterback.
  6. Incognito
    6. Posted by Incognito Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:29 am EDT

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    I have no problem with Vick getting a second chance but it also tells me that depending on who you are crime does pay.
    Why is it that people love to cheer and root for a convicted felon as if he's a hero returning from the war but could careless about a guy who's a straight arrow who never causes problems and is a good person in the community. He is treated indifferently.
  7. John K
    7. Posted by John K Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:32 am EDT

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    I wonder why the writer forgot to mention the fans boo'd McNabb on draft day. Maybe because the fans were actually booing the fact that Ricky Williams wasn't picked (We dodged a bullet there!). McNabb has never forgiven the city for that and I'm sure that most of the people here were ashamed of the 13 or so morons that boo'd on that day. He mentions it all the time, and I know he will never forgive or forget that moment. I love McNabb the player, but I am not too fond of the stuff he says to the press or his smiling on the field after throwing the ball at the open receiver's feet.
    I am pretty shocked at the ovation for Vick. I expected to hear more boo's and less excitement, but the fans in attendance sure fooled me.
  8. John K
    8. Posted by John K Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:32 am EDT

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    I wonder why the writer forgot to mention the fans boo'd McNabb on draft day. Maybe because the fans were actually booing the fact that Ricky Williams wasn't picked (We dodged a bullet there!). McNabb has never forgiven the city for that and I'm sure that most of the people here were ashamed of the 13 or so morons that boo'd on that day. He mentions it all the time, and I know he will never forgive or forget that moment. I love McNabb the player, but I am not too fond of the stuff he says to the press or his smiling on the field after throwing the ball at the open receiver's feet.
    I am pretty shocked at the ovation for Vick. I expected to hear more boo's and less excitement, but the fans in attendance sure fooled me.
  9. G
    9. Posted by G Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:35 am EDT

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    Philly does not deserve McNabb. I really feel sorry for any player that gets drafted to that team, its a thankless job.
  10. Steve
    10. Posted by Steve Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:40 am EDT

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    Eagles fans booed the selection of McNabb over Ricky Williams because the Eagles running game had been so lackluster for so long. You want to keep that in perspective when showing such crazy 20/20 hindsight and shock over the fan reaction. They had to put up with guys like James Joseph and Anthony Toney and Hershel Walker late in his career. They had to watch a talented offensive team run by an amazing defensive minded coach consistently come up short in the post-season because they couldn't establish a threat with their running game. So they were a little blinded by their hunger for an effective running back.
    Eagles fans also got miffed and showed displeasure in a different draft, when the Eagles passed on Randy Moss.
    Just saying is all.
  11. Steve
    11. Posted by Steve Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:41 am EDT

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    Eagles fans booed the selection of McNabb over Ricky Williams because the Eagles running game had been so lackluster for so long. You want to keep that in perspective when showing such crazy 20/20 hindsight and shock over the fan reaction. They had to put up with guys like James Joseph and Anthony Toney and Hershel Walker late in his career. They had to watch a talented offensive team run by an amazing defensive minded coach consistently come up short in the post-season because they couldn't establish a threat with their running game. So they were a little blinded by their hunger for an effective running back.
    Eagles fans also got miffed and showed displeasure in a different draft, when the Eagles passed on Randy Moss.
    Just saying is all.
  12. sam spade
    12. Posted by sam spade Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:44 am EDT

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    I said this before; by week 4, the Philly fans will be chanting: We want Vick. somewhere before the 8th game, Vegas will be taking odds on when Vick will start. As was said earlier, McNabb seems to get hurt ever year; so by being benched or by injury, Vick should be the starter by week 9. Remember these people booed Santa; so nothing they do should surprise anyone.
  13. FairlyHonestBob
    13. Posted by FairlyHonestBob Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:47 am EDT

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    The flying fickled finger of fate in Philly.
  14. Hambone
    14. Posted by Hambone Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:48 am EDT

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    Incognito - It's not like he's getting this support because of the crimes he committed. I think it's fair to say that if you were to look Vick in the eye and tell him, after the time he spent the jail, the money he lost, and the damage he suffered to his reputation, that "crime does pay" because he got cheered for in a preseason game, he might do something to you that would keep Roger Goodell from reinstating him in week 4.
  15. kannkann20
    15. Posted by kannkann20 Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:51 am EDT

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    Mcnabb may be one of the greatest when you look at his stats but someone please tell me when he has had any clutch in his body (other than that 4th and 26 against the packers) that is why the Eagles still dont have a ring and always lose when they get deep in the playoffs and this is coming from an Eagles fan.
  16. Anthony P
    16. Posted by Anthony P Fri Aug 28, 2009 11:55 am EDT

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    As an Eagles fan the issue comes with McNabb that he doesn't compete to the end and when he needs to play well. As well as the fact when he makes a stupid mistake or the game is on the line and he misthrows like he always does, the TV goes directly to his face where he is always laughing about it instead of showing the fans the frustration that he's pissed at himself and is trying. Everything is always a joke to him. I do agree though he is one of, if not the best QB we have had in the franchise.
  17. jedahl15
    17. Posted by jedahl15 Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:00 pm EDT

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    if it's anyones fault Vick is getting all the cheers, it's the media. Everything he does from practice to going out for a drink after it, is being monitored, and reported, everywhere! Vick walking out onto the field It's almost like a U2 concert when they first go out on stage.
  18. alex
    18. Posted by alex Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:11 pm EDT

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    On one of the ESPN highlights, I noticed what might be a perceived rift between McNabb and Vick quite similar to the TO shouting to McNabb and in turn McNabb turning his head and walking away. But I have not noticed anyone comment on this ESPN or here. Did anyone else notice? It looked like McNabb said something along the lines of "You need to quit all that barking". No pun intended, unless McNabb meant it.
  19. Ally
    19. Posted by Ally Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:17 pm EDT

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    Did we all not notice last night after Donovan threw that interception everyone started chanting "We want Vick!" yet when McNabb marched them down the field for a touchdown the chants died down... Everyone gives him a hard time but lets face it he has done a great job for a long time with only one real weapon in Westbrook, until now... And for those of you comparing his injuries to Tom Brady, wasn't Tom Brady out all of last year for knee surgery????
  20. nc_fastlife
    20. Posted by nc_fastlife Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:20 pm EDT

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    McNabb is a cry baby, he is a pro he suppose to have good stats but when it counts he folds everytime. He sent TO packing for keep it real... If he wanna keep his job why doesn't he do something to prove it instead of pointing fingers all the time. McNabb looks like a old man running around he will never when the big game, he don't got heart. Vick starts for me on madden 10
  21. Philly76
    21. Posted by Philly76 Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:23 pm EDT

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    When will people stop feeling sorry for McNabb. He is paid a lot of money to play a game, and the only/only thing the Eagles' fans care about is winning a Super Bowl. Until he does that all of those stats you list are INDIVIDUAL. Win the Super Bowl or shut up. That is what McNabb needs to focus on. No more excuses. Shut up and play!
  22. Steve
    22. Posted by Steve Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:23 pm EDT

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    @#19: It's not just the injuries. They are only a part of the whole. It's the injuries combined with the lack of super bowl rings combined with coming so close, so often, but still falling short. It frustrates Eagles fans. It would frustrate any fan of any other team. McNabb's performance can be fickle. Hot and cold. And the fans' loyalty toward him is just as fickle, if not more.
    Overall, Eagles fans appreciate McNabb. The stats are undeniable. And they're good. And he's been extremely successful with them, helping them get to the playoffs so consistently. It's just they've always been stuck just one or two games short of the trophy. And the fans fall back on that.
    Keep this in mind when scoffing the Eagles' fans for being so fickle ...
    The team would have just as many super bowl trophies if they had drafted Ricky Williams instead. Those stats McNabb puts up are great. But, they haven't equalled championships.
  23. Scott H
    23. Posted by Scott H Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:26 pm EDT

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    Poor McNabb...wah!
  24. tonyarob
    24. Posted by tonyarob Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:31 pm EDT

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    Drew Brees is second tier? He passed for over 5000 yards last year you know?
  25. Hugh Jass
    25. Posted by Hugh Jass Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:32 pm EDT

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    If the NFL only hires those with clean moral and criminal records we would have no teams to watch. Same as we wouldn't have politicians to run our country. Or CEO's to run corporations with those standards. Most players went to "college" with questionable IQ's too.
    Its a game. Vick's past is horrible, but it won't give you an infection or make you lose your job. Move on.

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