Eagles: WHAT QUARTERBACK CONTROVERSY?

[tr1]

Michael Smerconish | WHAT QUARTERBACK CONTROVERSY?
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/opinion/16807424.htm


THERE'S NOTHING new about a quarterback controversy in this town. I've been enjoying them from the sidelines my entire life, and the competition they bring is often a good thing.

My earliest memory of an Eagles game is my father's taking my brother and me to Franklin Field in the late '60s. Two things stand out: the unique toilet style in the men's room and fans squabbling over who should start at QB.

When I told that to Ray Didinger, author of "The Eagles Encyclopedia" with Robert S. Lyons, he knew the debate. In 1966, Norm Snead, King Hill and Jack Concannon all took turns starting for the Eagles under Joe Kuharich. (That was the year Kuharich uttered the memorable line: "Having three starting QBs is rare but not unusual.")

Snead started 10 games, Hill and Concannon (the fans' fave) each started two. Incredibly, the Eagles actually finished 9-5 that year and went to the Runner-Up Bowl, where they faced the Baltimore Colts. Kuharich played all three QBs. The Eagles lost, 20-14.

When I was still a boy, in the early 1970s, my father often scrounged 700-level seats at the Vet to watch Roman Gabriel lead the "fire high gang" when Mike McCormack was coach. Some thought Gabe should have sat in favor of Mike Boryla or John Reaves. I was for Gabe. (I once hung a banner saying "Win One for the Gaber" that got picked up in the Evening Bulletin.)

By the time the Vermeil era began in 1976, we had season tickets in the 600 level, and things were relatively stable with Ron Jawor-ski at the helm. Didinger was in the room at a post-game Vermeil press conference where he said:

"Guys, you might as well write this. I'm not going to let the fans substitute my QB for me. They've been doing that in this town for years, and that's why they've never won. I have a QB [Jaws] who can win for us, and the only way to let him develop is to let him stay in there and throw nine innings. The fans can boo all they want; I'm not changing QBs."

But when Vermeil left and Marion Campbell drafted Randall Cunningham, Campbell sat Jaws down in favor of Randall - then switched back to Jaws. Next came the Buddy Ryan era, which sometimes featured Jaws and Randall in the same series.

By then, we were in the 200 level at the Vet in the end zone, and I can recall afternoons in the early '90s when fans chanted for Jim McMahon to replace an erratic Cunningham. Controversy about Randall continued with Ray Rhodes at the helm. At one point in the mid-'90s, Rodney Peete got the nod over Randall.

Under Andy Reid, Donovan McNabb has had a free ride. McNabb was the first player Reid ever drafted and Reid has been loyal to his protégé. Only recently did Jeff Garcia threaten that stability, and raise the prospect of a real quarterback controversy.

GARCIA BREATHED life into a town devastated by Donovan's injury, and almost took us to the Promised Land.

His 6-2 record was all the more impressive because of the "Rocky"-like nature of his rise to glory. The city will be forever grateful for his role in making this season's Birds one of the franchise's more unpredictable, fun-to-watch teams.

Too bad the Eagles don't share that affinity for the latest No. 7. Instead, they've gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that this potential QB controversy ends with his departure.

How else to explain the shoddy way in which the Birds turned their back on Garcia by extending A.J. Feeley's deal for three more years? In signing Feeley, the Birds have bought Garcia a one-way Barbera Dodge out of town.

The Eagles, according to Garcia's agent Steve Baker, never even sat down at the table. To me, that says they were hell-bent on getting rid of him, probably to shield Donovan from the looming controversy.

ESPN's Sal Paolantonio agrees. When I asked him if he thought the handling of Garcia was intended to placate McNabb, he went one step further. He said, "Jeff Garcia's fate was sealed by Mama McNabb."

He was referring, of course, to Wilma's blog, where, in December, after the Eagles win over the Cowboys on Christmas Day, she offered a post titled "Bittersweet."

She wrote: "We want our team to win and even go to the Superbowl and win it in Miami especially if they continue to play as they have. But oh oh, if they win the Superbowl without my son, what would be the real outcome with the fans? Will they crucify him? Maybe, then the trade talks would begin. Off season madness, worse than last year's fiasco. But guess what, I guess I'll have to take the beating if it comes."

I appreciated her candor. What athlete hasn't felt the pull between wanting a team victory, but not a stellar performance by whoever is ahead of you on the depth chart?

But trade talks? Off-season madness? Worse than T.O.? The Eagles wanted none of that. So, by signing Feeley, the team has done McNabb the ultimate solid. They have gone out of their way for the player Terrell Owens described as a "company man."

Call it the ultimate quarterback sneak.

[rebornempowered]

Does McNabb have ties to the mob or something?

Why is that dude so untouchable?

[tr1]

Can you imagine fan reaction if he starts out slowly?

Philly fans are awful when their heros falter.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Westbrook36]

tr1, the majority of fans love McNabb. You seem to think that newpaper writers, who have a job because they have the ability to incite, radio talkshow hosts (see previous) and a disgruntled minority speaks for all the fans. I wonder how many different articles you can find this offseason stressing the same point? :laugh:

[OWUeagleMD]

Does McNabb have ties to the mob or something?

Why is that dude so untouchable?

What competition has Indianapolis ever brought in for Peyton Manning?

[Westbrook36]

I wonder what tr1 would be saying if McNabb ever had an interview on radio like the one that Portis had at the end of last year where he slammed everyone and everything in the organization? :laugh:

*Note- No talking about the Redskins.

[tr1]

tr1, the majority of fans love McNabb. You seem to think that newpaper writers, who have a job because they have the ability to incite, radio talkshow hosts (see previous) and a disgruntled minority speaks for all the fans. I wonder how many different articles you can find this offseason stressing the same point? :laugh:


WB, you ignore a huge part of your fan base that would throw McNabb out the window and start Garcia next year.

I find it amusing that EVERY ONE of the Eagle posters on ES are pro-McNabb and have nothing to say positive about Garcia...yet in the real world, Philly fans really like Garcia, want to keep him, and many...maybe even most...would have liked him to start next season.

Why are there so many articles in Philly land on this topic? No, it's not a conspiracy against the Eagles' FO...it's what the fans are feeling.

Except for the Eagle fans on ES, where the Eagles' FO can do no wrong.

I just find it interesting as an objective bystander...

[rebornempowered]

What competition has Indianapolis ever brought in for Peyton Manning?

:rolleyes: Great example, Manning always gets hurt and has had a back up come in and do just as good or better.

Also, you answered a question with a question. What is this that game they play on "Who's Line is it Anyway?"

Why is McNabb so untouchable?

[tr1]

I wonder what tr1 would be saying if McNabb ever had an interview on radio like the one that Portis had at the end of last year where he slammed everyone and everything in the organization? :laugh:

*Note- No talking about the Redskins.

As time goes on, WB, I'm begining to believe that bubba is 100% right about you.

You talk less and less football, and when you do, and find yourself in the corner of having to defend your ridiculous statements, you change the subject...usually to the Skins.

I find it sad.

[tr1]

What competition has Indianapolis ever brought in for Peyton Manning?

Manning hasn't missed the major portion of the last two years...or had a serious knee injury.

But, hey, I like the Eagles FO's continuing to think McNabb is indistructable. :laugh:

[BWareofDWare94]

WB, you ignore a huge part of your fan base that would throw McNabb out the window and start Garcia next year.

I find it amusing that EVERY ONE of the Eagle posters on ES are pro-McNabb and have nothing to say positive about Garcia...yet in the real world, Philly fans really like Garcia, want to keep him, and many...maybe even most...would have liked him to start next season.

Why are there so many articles in Philly land on this topic? No, it's not a conspiracy against the Eagles' FO...it's what the fans are feeling.

Except for the Eagle fans on ES, where the Eagles' FO can do no wrong.

I just find it interesting as an objective bystander...


articles are written for controversy, I'd bet most in Philly would much rather have a healthy mcnabb backed up by feeley then have no mcnabb and a healthy Garcia....just one mans opinion on that.

[BWareofDWare94]

As time goes on, WB, I'm begining to believe that bubba is 100% right about you.

You talk less and less football, and when you do, and find yourself in the corner of having to defend your ridiculous statements, you change the subject...usually to the Skins.

I find it sad.


:laugh::laugh: good lord, does it ever stop, EVER!..

I find this sad.......

[OWUeagleMD]

:rolleyes: Great example, Manning always gets hurt and has had a back up come in and do just as good or better.

Also, you answered a question with a question. What is this that game they play on "Who's Line is it Anyway?"

Why is McNabb so untouchable?

McNabb is untouchable because he is one of the three best QBs in football and, unless Tom Brady or Peyton Manning come available, it is impossible to find anyone who could actually compete with him. They always attempt to fill in the QB depth chart with adequete reserves and, for the most part, they've done a good job in that regard. Jeff Garcia is the most recent example.

[CPortJGibbs89]

I would take a healthy McNugget over a healthy Garcia ten out of ten times. He may struggle coming back from injuries but I think he will bounce back and be just fine. The guy is still in the prime of his career and is a proven winner.

[OWUeagleMD]

WB, you ignore a huge part of your fan base that would throw McNabb out the window and start Garcia next year.

I find it amusing that EVERY ONE of the Eagle posters on ES are pro-McNabb and have nothing to say positive about Garcia...yet in the real world, Philly fans really like Garcia, want to keep him, and many...maybe even most...would have liked him to start next season.

Why are there so many articles in Philly land on this topic? No, it's not a conspiracy against the Eagles' FO...it's what the fans are feeling.

Except for the Eagle fans on ES, where the Eagles' FO can do no wrong.

I just find it interesting as an objective bystander...

The Eagles fans who are currently against McNabb are the same ones who have been against him since 1999. As always, they are a vocal minority.

There's no need to further investigate thsi issue. I just told you the simple fact of the situation. The overwhelming mahjority of Eagles fans understand the greatness of Donovan McNabb. Those who don't are the stereotypical, loud, WIP callers upon whom you base the majority of your opinions. When you talk about the 700-level clowns who throw beer on little kids and start fights because someone is wearing a Redskins jersey, these are the people you are talking about. These are the people you've decided to base your most recent pedastool rant on.

[tr1]

articles are written for controversy, I'd bet most in Philly would much rather have a healthy mcnabb backed up by feeley then have no mcnabb and a healthy Garcia....just one mans opinion on that.

I think this article was informative...not controversial.

[tr1]

The Eagles fans who are currently against McNabb are the same ones who have been against him since 1999. As always, they are a vocal minority.

There's no need to further investigate thsi issue. I just told you the simple fact of the situation. The overwhelming mahjority of Eagles fans understand the greatness of Donovan McNabb. Those who don't are the stereotypical, loud, WIP callers upon whom you base the majority of your opinions. When you talk about the 700-level clowns who throw beer on little kids and start fights because someone is wearing a Redskins jersey, these are the people you are talking about. These are the people you've decided to base your most recent pedastool rant on.


I know it's a difficult position I put you in...to defend you Eagle bretheran who'd like to dump McNabb, but unlike you, I'd say the split in Eagleland is about 50-50 right now...except on ES...

[Westbrook36]

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Westbrook36]

tr1, where on earth do you get this 50-50 figure? :laugh: :laugh:

[tr1]

:laugh::laugh: good lord, does it ever stop, EVER!..

I find this sad.......

Please, if you feel compelled as a puke fan to post in an Eagle's thread, try to add something to the conversation about the article.

Thanks, in advance.


I think Eagle fans on ES are just ignoring a qb controversy that's taking over Philly fans.

[Westbrook36]

The QB controversy is taking over!!!! :laugh: :laugh:

[BWareofDWare94]

I think this article was informative...not controversial.


of course thats YOUR opinion...there is no factual basis to prove your point.

[BWareofDWare94]

I know it's a difficult position I put you in...to defend you Eagle bretheran who'd like to dump McNabb, but unlike you, I'd say the split in Eagleland is about 50-50 right now...except on ES...


again, no factual basis to back up your claim....just opinion.

[BWareofDWare94]

Please, if you feel compelled as a puke fan to post in an Eagle's thread, try to add something to the conversation about the article.

Thanks, in advance.


I think Eagle fans on ES are just ignoring a qb controversy that's taking over Philly fans.


Its ATNFL, dont we all have a right to post our opinions....

[OWUeagleMD]

Please, if you feel compelled as a puke fan to post in an Eagle's thread, try to add something to the conversation about the article.

Thanks, in advance.


I think Eagle fans on ES are just ignoring a qb controversy that's taking over Philly fans.

I think I listen to WIP for 8 hours everyday, read every article in every Philly newspaper and post on multiple other Eagles boards, in addition to the many friends and family I have that lives in Philadelphia. I think, as a result of these things, you are not in any position to tell me what the fans feel.

There are plenty of moron Philadelphia fans, always have been. You ridicule them for the majority of your time posting here, and now, you've decided you want to side with them.

Jeff Garcia spiked the football after a first down and said "Merry Christmas Philadelphia" after beating the Cowboys. The morons love that sort of bottled sentimentality and would happily throw away talent in favor of emotion. I happen to disagree, and fortunately, the morons represent a small percentage of the Philadelphia fan base.

You are placing yourself in the company of people who hated the greatest third baseman in the history of baseball. You are placing yourself in the company of people who cheered a potentially paralyzed Michael Irvin. TYou are placing yourself in the company of all the things you claim to hate about Philadelphia.

[#98QBKiller]

I hope the eagles start 2-6 under McNabb.

[Westbrook36]

I hope the Eagles start out 8-0 under McNabb.

[OWUeagleMD]

I hope the eagles start 2-6 under McNabb.

Does it suprise you to hear that I hope we start 8-0?

[BWareofDWare94]

I think I listen to WIP for 8 hours everyday, read every article in every Philly newspaper and post on multiple other Eagles boards, in addition to the many friends and family I have that lives in Philadelphia. I think, as a result of these things, you are not in any position to tell me what the fans feel.

There are plenty of moron Philadelphia fans, always have been. You ridicule them for the majority of your time posting here, and now, you've decided you want to side with them.

Jeff Garcia spiked the football after a first down and said "Merry Christmas Philadelphia" after beating the Cowboys. The morons love that sort of bottled sentimentality and would happily throw away talent in favor of emotion. I happen to disagree, and fortunately, the morons represent a small percentage of the Philadelphia fan base.

You are placing yourself in the company of people who hated the greatest third baseman in the history of baseball. You are placing yourself in the company of people who cheered a potentially paralyzed Michael Irvin. TYou are placing yourself in the company of all the things you claim to hate about Philadelphia.
.

Right on...which in fact is a minority of people, BUT of course to make himself look good he says 50-50........Even he dont beleive it!

[Who Del]

Does anyone imagine tr1 waking up in the morning and rushing over to his computer to check his RSS feeds for articles?

[Westbrook36]

Of course. Bathrobe on; no shave, a little groggy before the first cup of coffee....scouring a the Philly/Dallas newspaper websites he has collected in his favorites for any juicy information.

I bet he is occasionally late to work because he can't get off the computer early in the morning due to this.

[tr1]

.

Right on...which in fact is a minority of people, BUT of course to make himself look good he says 50-50........Even he dont beleive it!

Oh, I do believe it! I have friends who are Eagle fans....they're very conflicted...

[tr1]

Of course. Bathrobe on; no shave, a little groggy before the first cup of coffee....scouring a the Philly/Dallas newspaper websites he has collected in his favorites for any juicy information.

I bet he is occasionally late to work because he can't get off the computer early in the morning due to this.

Typical WB...nothing to add...except the perjoratives.

I love you man. :laugh:

[BWareofDWare94]

Oh, I do believe it! I have friends who are Eagle fans....they're very conflicted...


ahhhhh. Your friends....makes sense now, your eagle fans are conflicted and are 50-50....why didnt you just say that to begin with, i mean thats all the proof we need. :laugh::laugh::laugh:

[KINGPAULI]

ahhhhh. Your friends....makes sense now, your eagle fans are conflicted and are 50-50....why didnt you just say that to begin with, i mean thats all the proof we need. :laugh::laugh::laugh:

Both of his freinds.

[BWareofDWare94]

Both of his freinds.


He must have at least 3....bubba is his buddy but he is not an Eagle fan...So he has 2 Eagle fans and 1 thinks one way and the other thinks the opposite............hmmmm let me think....YEP that’s 50-50....by Golly he is right, the Eagle fan base is split right down the middle.

...:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Number5]

"I find it amusing that EVERY ONE of the Eagle posters on ES are pro-McNabb and have nothing to say positive about Garcia...yet in the real world, Philly fans really like Garcia, want to keep him, and many...maybe even most...would have liked him to start next season."


This is a BOLDFACE lie. You should be ashamed of yourself. You might as well run for President Of The USA now. You have all the qualifications...

1 - Spread lies....CHECK
2 - Spread propaganda.....CHECK
3 - Ignore the obvious....CHECK

Yep....I think you'll do better than Bush at this rate tr1.

[Number5]

Oh, I do believe it! I have friends who are Eagle fans....they're very conflicted...


Wait...you have friends? :laugh: Seriously....if you asked EVERY EAGLES FAN ON THIS SITE....as you claim to know what we are thinking, what our opinion of McNabb, the answer will be much different than what you claim it to be. Matter of fact.....I thin you should start a poll...just for us to answer the question.

That way, the public will know exactly how we feel, and you will have an answer that is based on fact rather than pure speculation.

I think its a good idea that could either boost or dampen your crediblity. Wouldn't you agree, because for you to continue to spout such things, yet refuse to take this offer up, only shows that you are truely spreading rumors and claiming they are fact which could cause decline in public opinion of you and your articles.

[pointyfootball]

I don't know what's worse, recycled gobbely-gook, or arguing with thread starter of recycled gobbely-gook each time. I've never added someone to my ignore list....until today. Moronic.

[Who Del]

I like McNabb a lot but I think he's a choker. Did tr1 know that?

[chrisavery72]

Im own opnion is that there should not be any CONTROVERSY. McNabb has done alot for the team and then some, on and off the field. I mean the Fans booed this guy when he was drafted and he still put the team on his back time after time.

bad enough he took TO with open arms and got burned for it, know I dont know too much about the locker room and who is split between wanting him back and wanting Jeff but Reid made sure who he wanted.

[OWUeagleMD]

I like McNabb a lot but I think he's a choker. Did tr1 know that?

No. You don't fit into his 50-50 split. You are not part of the Eagles' fan base, obviously.

[TD_washingtonredskins]

There is no way that a majority of Philly fans would prefer a healthy Garcia over a healthy McNabb. Donovan is a top-5 QB in the league.

I wouldn't be surprised if many fans wanted to keep Garcia as the primary backup since McNabb has missed half the season for 2 straight years...but that's a different story.

Like any other Redskin fan, I'd love to see this somehow blow up in Philly's face, but I don't think keeping an upper-echelon QB over a journeyman QB can be considered a mistake.

[Skin Deep]

The point here is that the FO lets the coddling of McNabb get in the way of fielding the best team.

They get rid of people they fear can't 'play nice' with lil Donny.

He's skillful, but he's the biggest b@$&% of a QB I've seen in a long time. He's not a true winner or leader. Real leaders don't have to answer every question asked of him, on NFL Network during Super Bowl Week, like "well as the leader of this team". That's weak Donovan. He'll never win anything of significance.