The Eagles just didn't have anything in this 34-14 loss to the Cowboys. They were overwhelmed. McNabb looked dreadful, but he was running for his life all night.
I really thought the Eagles would bounce back and make this game close, and that whichever team had the ball last would win. Well the second quarter sealed the Birds fate. After the Sean Jones interception was taken away, the Birds deflated. They never got their attitude back. It spiraled out of control within minutes of that twist of fate.
So now the Eagles head into the off-season in an interesting position - they have three starting quarterbacks. They're almost certaionly going to trade two of them.
So yes, I think it's the end of the McNabb era.
The Eagles' front office is a "value front office" - if they can turn a player into the right draft choice, they'll do the deal. And there are a ton of teams that need a QB - Cleveland, Carolina, St. Louis, Oakland, Washington, Miami, maybe Denver - and that's just off the top of my head. One of them will pay a good ransom for McNabb.
As for Kolb, I think he's a better fit for what the Eagles have offensively. They need a point guard that can distribute the ball. They need Mo Cheeks, not Allen Iverson.
McNabb's had a just-short-of-great career here. But it really does feel like time to turn the page.
More to come in the days ahead.
09/04/2010 12:00:00am
Win One For The Spitter While we're all sitting around wondering if this will be McNabb and/or Westbrook's last game in Midnight Green and hoping that the Eagles can "win one for the Spitter," I'm here to talk about what needs to happen on the field tonight.
Here's One Man's Guide for erasing the ugly memory of 24-zip:
1. Play Trotter. A lot. I can't believe I'm saying it because I killed the guy for a big block of the season, but he's like Obi Wan Kenobi for the Eagles tonight against the run - he's their only hope. Trotter was outstanding in the second half last week. True, he can't cover Witten, but nobody else can either (although I'm also hoping we Tracy White getting that assignment). Trot's veteran leadership will also be a big plus in this environment. And while we're talking defense, give me more Sean Jones, less Macho Harris.
2. Lean on Westbrook, not Shady. I know everybody thinks 36 is shot, but I disagree. He's still a better all around back than the rookie McCoy, and if the Eagles give him the rock 15 times tonight, it'll be good.
3. Run early, run often. As a corollary to #2, I'd like to see nine of the first 15 plays be called runs. I know it's asking a lot, but it'll pay dividends. Trust me. McNabb still needs to be firing it deep - the Eagles can't win without big plays - but the offense needs to fire some of these body blows early. Certainly, Dallas won't be expecting it, and if you can draw those safeties up a couple steps, DeSean Jackson will toast them.
4. Send the dogs after Romo like he's been slathered in bacon. To paraphrase Churchill, Never stop blitzing - never, never, never, never! (oops - "blitz" and "Churchill" probably shouldn't be together here) I don't think any of us would mind if Sean McDermott released the hounds on 100 percent of the Eagles defensive snaps in this game. Passive ain't working. Go get 'em, Seanny.
5. Score first. This is always a good idea, but I think it's just about imperative for the Eagles tonight. An early Cowboys' score and the doubt could creep into the Eagles minds. An early haymaker by the Eagles will show the Cowboys that this game is going to be a teensy bit different.
Remember, the Andy Reid and Donovan NcNabb Eagles typically bounce back after a bad game. And Donovan is 8-2 career in first and second round playoff games.
And here's another thing to remember - David Akers is waaaay better than Shaun Suisham. That just might be the difference.
