Read the opposing arguments from Loyal Homer and Bleacher Fan.
Earlier this offseason Donovan McNabb, former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, got his wings clipped and was sent packing. Adding insult to injury, Philly dealt him to a division rival, no less – the Washington Redskins. On the surface, it seems as though the ‘Skins have pulled off a remarkable trade, landing a six time Pro Bowler with eight years of playoff experience. But the more important questions is: Are the Redskins really getting that player?
McNabb has been plagued by injuries over the past few years. Arguably, his best seasons are behind him. Now he takes over a Washington team lacking elite receiving talent, and he must somehow shake the stigma of being so ineffective that his previous team was not scared of dealing him inside the NFC East. These factors make McNabb the NFL player with the most to prove, and potentially the hottest seat.
While it may sound strange to suggest that McNabb and the Redskins could part ways so soon, it is important to remember that Nan FL player’s career seems to live and die by the “what have you done for me lately” motto. Clearly, one of the reasons Donovan McNabb was deemed expendable was for failing to win the big one. In spite of leading the Eagles to a slew of playoff appearances, he proved incapable of bringing home the Vince Lombardi trophy. So, until McNabb finally wins a Super Bowl, it will be increasingly easier for organizations seeking a new direction, or a scapegoat, to find an easy target in old #5.
McNabb’s price tag certainly shouldn’t shy the Redskins away from benching, trading, or cutting him at the first significant sign of ineffectiveness. Washington acquired a new quarterback for the measly cost of a 2010 second round draft pick and a lesser 2011 conditional draft pick. That is not a price that would prohibit the Washington from going in a different direction should things go South. Add to that the fact that Washington’s current back up QB, Jason Campbell, is more than capable (finishing ten spots higher than McNabb in completion percentage rankings), and the former Eagle is looking less valuable by the minute.
McNabb is also charged with the unenviable task of reviving a Washington team that has only posted two winning seasons since 2000. While McNabb’s mom and dad are vocal about their belief that he can “resurrect” his career in D.C., I still have my doubts. It’s clear that the Redskins have been in a state of flux during the modern millennia. With the head coaching job being a veritable revolving door, players must constantly adjust to new personnel, schemes, and styles. Next season, when new head coach Mike Shanahan takes the reins, it will mark the seventh coaching change since 2000. McNabb and the Redskins are sure to struggle a little out of the gate, which may also be compounded by the Washington’s challenging schedule. Over the first six games McNabb and company will be thoroughly tested by the Cowboys, Eagles, Packers and Colts.
For all the support and praise McNabb receives, critics abound as well. People are going to question McNabb’s potential until he proves them wrong. Fantasy football analyst Brendan Roberts suggests, in the ESPN Fantasy Football 2010 magazine, that “… people will finally realize just how big a role Andy Reid’s offense played in McNabb’s success.” Perhaps he is right, but only a solid performance next season will silence the critics. Should McNabb struggle, the boos, jeers, and second guessing will not be far behind. But hey, that should feel like home to a guy who played in Philly.
Posted by Babe Ruthless 
