McNaab back in Philly

You may be wondering what all the fuss is about this weekends game in Philadelphia.  OK its the Eagles against division rival Washington Redskins, and also some QB is returning to play against the Eagles for the first time in his career, whats so special about that??  Well I will try and explain to you the magnitude of this return, and why this game is so big.

Donovan McNabb was drafted by the Eagles in the 1999 draft, and McNabb received a series of boos from Eagles fans present.  These Eagles fans wanted the Eagles to select RB Edgerrin James, and felt that a QB was not what the organisation required.  Here was the birth of the McNabb legend.  He started 6 games in the '99 season, but took part in 12, and did enough to win the starting spot for the 2000 season.  This season was a fantastic one for the young QB, who threw for 3,365 passing yards and rushed for 629 yards with a combined 27 TD's.  This led the Eagles to a 11 - 5 record, and a wildcard spot in the playoffs.  The Giants ended this run in the divisional round of the playoffs, but what a start for McNabb.

McNabbs 3rd year in Philly saw the Eagles go to another 11 - 5 record, which won them their 1st division title for 13 years.  The streak didn't stop here as the Eagles beat the Buccaneers and the Bears to go into their first NFC title game for 21 years.  They lost this game against the Rams, but what an impact their young QB was making, and even so, the Philadelphia fans were still not convinced. 

The Eagles went on to take the divisional crown and advance to the NFC championship game for the next 3 years.  They even went to the Superbowl in 2004, where they lost 24 - 21 to the defending champion Patriots.  This was the criticism of McNabb in Philly.  The fans believed that McNabb had all the talent around him, but couldn't get it done in the big game.  The Eagles made playoff appearances in '06, '08 and '09, advancing to the championship game in '08 where they lost to the Arizona Cardinals.

So lets just put McNabb's career in Philly into perspective, in 10 seasons there, he made 8 playoff appearances, won 5 NFC East Championships, went to 5 NFC Championship games winning 1, and appeared in 1 Superbowl.  This to me is a 'Hall of Fame' career, even though he never managed to win the 'Big Game'.  Donovan McNabb gave his absolute all in Philly for 10 years, and was never appreciated for the success he bought to the team.

The Eagles decided to trade McNabb last year as they wanted to move in a different direction with young QB Kevin Kolb.  Now I have no problem with Kevin Kolb, but he lasted just 15 plays in the opening game with the Packers this year before having to leave with a concussion.  This is a very unfortunate injury, but may just point out that McNabb was working with a poor O Line in Philly, and was raising the performance of the whole team.  Veteran QB Michael Vick came in to replace Kolb, and now, even with Kolb back from injury, Vick is still the starter.  So where does this leave McNabb.  He was traded from the city he loved, and gave his career to, so this young hot shot could come in.  Now after just 15 plays, that young hotshot has lost his job to Michael Vick.  Vick is doing a good job at the moment, but do you think Eagles head coach Andy Reid would take McNabb back if he could??  I do!  Just to add more fuel to the fire, Vick would not even be in Philly if it wasn't for McNabb.  When Vick came out of prison for his dog fighting conviction it was McNaab that convinced Andy Reid and the Eagles organisation to bring in Vick.  McNabb took Vick under his wing, and happily split time with the former Falcons QB last year.  Now Vick has his job.  Add to this that the Eagles also traded McNabb to a division rival, knowing full well that they would have to play him twice a year, and you have got a very, very explosive game in prospect.

I hope now that you all have a bit more of an insight into what this game means this weekend.  I know players go back to play their former teams quite often, but you have to admit, this one has a special edge to it.  Enjoy it people, I know I can't wait!