Donovan McNabb News: Pro Sports Daily

Bears cornerbacks must make plays against Donovan McNabb

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November 20

Chicago Tribune

"The Bears are at their best when they win the turnover battle, which might be a difficult task come Sunday. The Eagles, thanks to a relentless, blitzing defense, are second in the league with a plus-10 turnover ratio, while the Bears check in at 26th with a minus-5. Over the last two games, cornerback Zack Bowman has two interceptions. Bowman and fellow starting corner Charles Tillman, who has the team's lone defensive touchdown, will be counted on to make plays against Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and his receivers. "They're fast guys," Bowman said, referring to receivers DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant. "They don't weigh that much, but they do have some fight in them."

Eagles teammates prepared to accept McNabb's challenge vs. Bears

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November 19

Philadelphia Daily News

"DONOVAN McNabb doesn't make guarantees. Those often tiresome proclamations of certain victory in a crucial upcoming game just aren't his style. But now, with the sunset of his career being much closer than the sunrise, he does view this week's visit to Soldier Field with great import. Not because it's a homecoming for the Chicago native, but because the Eagles are dripping oil and in desperate need of a win. Oh, and in case you hadn't heard, star running back Brian Westbrook will not play. "I've been in the league for a while now, 11 years, and at this particular point in my career, as well as this point in the season, this is a must win for us and that's the way that we have to approach ..."

Donovan McNabb dodges questions about Jay Cutler

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November 19

Chicago Tribune

"While Donovan McNabb still hears talk about the possibility of finishing his career back home, the Eagles quarterback is fine letting Jay Cutler handle all the scrutiny in Chicago for now. One national writer recently suggested coach Lovie Smith bench Cutler if he has another performance like last Thursday's five-interception night against the 49ers. Cutler leads the league with 17 interceptions. McNabb, who was pulled at one point last season, was asked for his thoughts about a quarterback dealing with such a demotion. "Nobody wants to be benched," he said. "I'm sure you guys don't want to be pulled from writing your great articles that you guys write ... a suspension for a week or two. ..."

Eagles' McNabb a study in contrasts

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November 15

San Diego Union-Tribune

"The replay was rerun and rerun so often, you started to think the quarterback trying to quarterback-sneak his way past the Dallas Cowboys was Bart Starr, not Donovan McNabb. The fact that it was McNabb holding the ball — and the notion that he was correctly or incorrectly ruled to have been stopped an inch or so short of a first down on the crucial fourth-quarter play Sunday night, a home game the Philadelphia Eagles lost to Dallas — gave the dive play greater significance as metaphor for a five-time Pro Bowl quarterback's entire career. That is, just not quite. Just as folks can watch the replays and still debate forever whether McNabb's elbow did or didn't touch turf shy of the imaginary ..."

Cowboys' homework helped stop McNabb's sneak

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November 10

San Antonio Express-News

"The defensive line shift that allowed the Cowboys to make their big fourth-and-one stop in Sunday night's 20-16 win over Philadelphia was a product of thorough scouting. With Dallas coach Wade Phillips expecting Donovan McNabb to try a quarterback sneak from the Cowboys' 45-yard line, the defensive ends shifted from over the tackles to over the guards. End Marcus Spears got low and stopped McNabb for no gain. Four plays later, wide receiver Miles Austin used a double move to elude cornerback Sheldon Brown and give the Cowboys a 20-13 lead with a 49-yard touchdown with 8:04 left. "(Nose tackle Jay) Ratliff played it real well in there too," Phillips said. "We moved everybody inside." ..."

McNabb has message for young Eagles

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November 8

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist Ashley Fox

"Every word that comes out of Donovan McNabb's mouth for public consumption is deliberate. Everything he says has meaning, a purpose, and an intended audience. It's not for you or for me. It's for the rug rats in the Eagles' locker room. DeSean Jackson. Jeremy Maclin. LeSean McCoy. And a few others. McNabb has been through enough to know that tonight is a big game against Dallas. It's for the early lead in the NFC East. Win and the Eagles move to 3-0 in the division, 6-2 overall at the turn, with the most difficult part of their season still to come. But tonight is just another brick on the path McNabb hopes will lead to Miami. It won't make or break the season. Those kinds of games don't ..."

McNabb, Eagles soar with Giant blow out

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November 2

New York Post

"As he left his team in the visitors' locker room at Lincoln Financial Field, Tom Coughlin kept calm as he waded through the wreckage of yesterday's 40-17 loss to the Eagles that suddenly left the once 5-0 Giants mired in a three-game losing streak at mid-season. In what was described as a firm but not loud address, Coughlin laid out the facts in the most basic of terms to players who at the moment have no answers and, at times, no clue as to what's transpiring out on the field. "I just told the players, 'Nobody said this was going to be easy,' " Coughlin said. "We're going to fight until there's nothing left of us; those who will fight, we're going to fight our way out of this. All off a ..."

Numbers not telling complete McNabb story

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October 28

Philadelphia Daily News

columnist Paul Domowitch

"ON THE SURFACE, Donovan McNabb's numbers in Monday's 27-17 win over the Washington Redskins don't look bad. On a night that saw him chalk up his 200th career touchdown pass and his 30,000th career passing yard, he completed a respectable 60 percent of his passes (15-for-25). Averaged a respectable 6.24 yards per attempt. Hooked up with wide receiver DeSean Jackson on a 57-yard scoring pass late in the second quarter that, for all intents and purposes, made it game, set and match. Had a 91.4 passer rating.Oh, and for the seventh time in his last nine regular-season starts, he didn't throw an interception.All of that is swell. All of that is good. But if you were paying attention to the game ..."

Just how clutch has McNabb been?

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October 25

Philadelphia Inquirer

"They were the kind of games that champions win, and the city's baseball team won two of them in the span of a week with the stakes elevated to postseason proportion. Down to their last out, the Phillies staged scintillating rallies to eliminate the Colorado Rockies from the National League division series, and then to take Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against Los Angeles. In Colorado, Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth delivered the knockout blows. Against the Dodgers, Jimmy Rollins' aplomb allowed him to scorch a game-winning double into right-center field. You just know there were cries from the city's football fans charging Donovan McNabb and company with being unable to ..."

McNabb can't find his groove in tough defeat

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October 19

Camden Courier-Post

"Donovan McNabb understandably said he was embarrassed by the Eagles' 13-9 loss Sunday to the Raiders. The Eagles were held without a touchdown for the first time this season and managed just 283 yards against the NFL's 25th-ranked defense. They were baffled by an Oakland team that had lost its prior three games by 80 combined points and hadn't scored a touchdown in nearly one month. McNabb couldn't hit the long ball with his receivers, David Akers left six points on the field and the Eagles ran just 14 times against a defense that allowed more than 200 rushing yards the week before. Injuries Three prominent Eagles will have MRIs today -- left tackle Jason Peters (knee), defensive end ..."

'Embarrassed' McNabb, Eagles lose

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October 19

Camden Courier-Post

"Droves of empty seats and the hauntingly quiet backdrop of the legendary "Black Hole" revealed plenty about how the locals viewed their Oakland Raiders before kickoff. By the fourth quarter, as a synchronized chorus of "Eagles (stink)" thundered around the venue, it was clear those feelings had changed. And the Eagles couldn't disagree. Although they threw plenty of praise and credit at Oakland's schemes and wherewithal, the Eagles pinned the blame for their stunning 13-9 loss to the lowly Raiders squarely on themselves. "I could speak for myself, and I should speak for everybody, I'm embarrassed by the way we played out here,' said Donovan McNabb, who was sacked six times and didn't throw ..."

McNabb has advice for Russell: Keep your head up

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October 18

Sacramento Bee

"He plays in a city that booed Mike Schmidt and Santa Claus, for goodness sake, and has seen his adopted hometown and infamous teammate Terrell Owens turn on him. Plus, he was at the epicenter of one of Rush Limbaugh's many hot-button, race-related observations. (Remember? "The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well.") No doubt Donovan McNabb could have JaMarcus Russell sit at his knee and offer some sage advice on how to deal with the perils and pitfalls of being a struggling and unpopular NFL quarterback. Of course, the main goal of the five-time Pro Bowl player's trip west today is for his Philadelphia Eagles to beat Russell and the Raiders. But that doesn't mean ..."

McNabb, offense in sync

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October 12

Camden Courier-Post

"Scores and snores from the Eagles' 33-14 triumph over the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The rundown The Eagles predictably trounced winless Tampa Bay for head coach Andy Reid's 100th career victory. Donovan McNabb passed for three touchdowns in his first game back from a two-game absence from a broken rib and the Eagles improved to 11-0 after the bye week under Reid. McNabb, Jeremiah Trotter and Brian Westbrook were each back on the field together for the first time since 2006 but rookie Jeremy Maclin tore up Tampa with two first-half touchdowns and his first 100-yard game in his second start replacing injured Kevin Curtis. Like they did two Sundays ago to ..."

McNabb is as sharp as ever

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October 12

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist Bob Ford

"The Eagles' extended exhibition season continued this afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field with another win that probably didn't mean as much as they would like it to mean. This time, the Washington Generals were wearing the uniforms of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They didn't fall for the confetti-in-the-bucket trick, but just about everything else. In the end, the final score was 33-14. It could have been a lot worse if Andy Reid kept his foot on the gas, but there was little point in that. The three teams the Eagles have beaten this year are now a combined 1-13. They would be winless if the Washington Redskins weren't trying to get Jim Zorn fired and figured out a way to lose to the ..."

Josh Johnson grew up admiring Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb

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October 10

St. Petersburg Times

"It's difficult to envision many quarterback matchups in which resumes could be more disparate than Sunday's game pitting Josh Johnson against Donovan McNabb. The Bucs' 2008 fifth-round draft pick is set to make his second start, this time against the Eagles' 1999 first-round pick, who is the franchise's career leader in passing yards, completions and touchdown passes. McNabb is set to return from a broken rib that sidelined him for two games. Suddenly, Johnson squares off against a player he has admired. "I've watched him his whole career," Johnson said. "He's a special player. I feel like it's an honor just to go out and finally see him live and be on the other side of the field." After a ..."

Fantasy come true? A rehabbed McNabb awaits

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October 9

Sacramento Bee

"You don't need me advising you to start Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson, or to bench JaMarcus Russell and Michael Crabtree. So I'll leave the obvious recommendations to the network bozos and focus instead on the players typically on the bubble of most fantasy lineups. Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 5. Watch 'em roll Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles vs. Buccaneers. Rested and rehabbed, McNabb returns for a delectable matchup. Only two defenses have surrendered more passing touchdowns than the Bucs' nine. Flack jacket and all, McNabb will soar at home. Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals vs. Texans. Arizona failed to take advantage of Indy's soft run defense in Week 3, and lost ..."

McNabb healed enough to play

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October 8

Camden Courier-Post

"Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb won't make a full recovery from his broken rib for another few weeks, but with some added protection he'll be ready for Sunday's start. McNabb will make his first start since the season opener against 0-4 Tampa Bay, most likely wearing a protective flak jacket around his ribcage underneath his jersey. McNabb said he occasionally feels some pain, like when he's sleeping on his side or making sudden movements, but doesn't expect to be hampered on the field. He can still fling it, he said, downfield or along the sideline. "It will be four weeks come Sunday and the bone is definitely healing," he said. "You obviously have to take a lot of calcium and zinc and ..."

McNabb will start, wear protective jacket

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October 7

Camden Courier-Post

"Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb said he'd start Sunday against Tampa Bay and that he can still "let it go" although his broken rib isn't fully healed. McNabb said Wednesday before practice that he'd probably wear a protective jacket around his rib cage under his uniform jersey and estimated another two to three weeks before the fracture is no longer an issue. But he also emphasized that the discomfort has reduced greatly in the three weeks that he's been away and that he can make any type of throw and absorb contact without worrying about risking further injury. "I'm excited about getting out there and moving around a little bit and getting this offense going," he said. McNabb said most ..."

McNabb back in action for Eagles

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October 6

Philadelphia Daily News

"For the first time since the opening week of the season, Donovan McNabb was the Eagles' first-team quarterback in practice.There was no official injury report from yesterday's brief workout, designed as a refresher coming off the bye, but there is every reason to expect that McNabb will be the starter for tomorrow's first "real" practice and Sunday's home game against Tampa Bay.That raises questions about the roles going forward of the other two quarterbacks on the roster, Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick. Both Kolb and Vick acknowledged yesterday that sitting behind an established starter is less than ideal. Vick danced around a question about whether his Wildcat role will be as extensive now ..."

McNabb and Westbrook Are Back

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October 5

Camden Courier-Post

"Both Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook practiced today, telling me that both will play this weekend when Tampa Bay comes to Philly. The fact that we cut Jeff Garcia told me McNabb would be available, but it's nice to have Westbrook back as well. LeSean McCoy did a real nice job against a Kansas City defense that isn't very good, but I don't think I want him to be a full-time back quite yet. Brian Westbrook is too explosive and important in the pass-catching department for us to be without him for long."

Treatments to continue for McNabb

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September 29

Camden Courier-Post

"The Eagles won't be seen at the NovaCare Complex again until Monday. That gives Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Kevin Curtis and the other Eagles nursing injuries an extra week to get healthy and prepared for their Oct. 11 game against Tampa Bay. Eagles coach Andy Reid followed tradition by giving his team the bye week off from practice. Reid didn't have earth-shattering news Monday about any of his injured offensive players, including McNabb and Westbrook. He said McNabb still is mending and will spend the week off working with head trainer Rick Burkholder. "He'll be working to get the soreness out, the muscles in between the ribs, tightness in there," Reid said. "Rick has him on some ..."

Eagles plan RB rotation

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September 29

Camden Courier-Post

"Andy Reid is ready to integrate another offensive trend into his game plan. One day after rookie LeSean McCoy carried the rushing load in the Eagles' 34-14 blowout of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles' coach suggested McCoy and Brian Westbrook would share snaps when Westbrook returns from his sprained ankle. That would give the Eagles the running back tandem many teams use. With Westbrook out, McCoy rushed for 84 yards on 20 carries in his starting debut Sunday, including a 5-yard touchdown. "I think that will take place," Reid said of the tandem. "(McCoy will) rotate in there. I don't know exactly the rotation that we would do, but it would work him in there. We'll just see how it goes." ..."

Reid expecting McNabb to be back for Tampa Bay

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September 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Donovan McNabb could return Oct. 11 when the Eagles play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after their bye week."I think he will, but we'll see how it goes," Eagles coach Andy Reid said yesterday after his team's 34-14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.McNabb's return from a fractured rib will likely have a domino effect, with Kevin Kolb resuming his backup role and Jeff Garcia getting sent back to the unemployment line.Reid made it clear that there isn't going to be a quarterback controversy even though Kolb threw for more than 300 yards in each of his two starts."Donovan is the quarterback of the team," Reid said. "That's not a problem. I don't think it's a problem with Kevin, and I don't think ..."

McNabb doesn't practice; Vick will play

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September 24

ESPN.com

"Donovan McNabb is still not able to practice and it appears unlikely he will play this week. McNabb, who suffered a broken rib in a season-opening win over the Carolina Panthers, is expected to miss his second straight game as the Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) meet the Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at Lincoln Financial Field. With the Eagles on a bye next week, resting McNabb gives him more time to heal before the Eagles host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 11. McNabb was at Thursday's practice, but only watched. Third-year QB Kevin Kolb started last week in a loss to the New Orleans Saints and is expected to start again. Veterans Jeff Garcia and Michael Vick, back from his league suspension, will ..."

Reid not saying if Vick will play

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September 23

ESPN.com

"The only certainty in the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback situation appears to be uncertainty -- and it doesn't end with whether Donovan McNabb will start on Sunday. Eagles coach Andy Reid knows McNabb or Kevin Kolb will start against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday -- McNabb if he's healthy enough to play, Kolb if McNabb can't go. But who's the backup? Reid isn't sure whether Jeff Garcia or Michael Vick would be the backup quarterback. Reid wouldn't even say that Vick is definitely playing against the Chiefs. Vick is eligible for the first time after serving a two-game suspension as the final league penalty for his role in running a dogfighting ring. But Vick, calling himself "The ..."

McNabb, Westbrook won't practice

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September 23

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Quarterback Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook will not practice today as they continue to heal from their injuries – McNabb with a broken rib and Westbrook with a "slightly sprained ankle." Receiver DeSean Jackson went through the walkthrough this morning, despite a strained groin, but will not practice this afternoon. Of Westbrook, coach Andy Reid said, "We'll see how he does throughout the week. It really is a day-to-day thing." The swelling in Westbrook's ankle is "way down, there's very little swelling," Reid said. "We feel pretty good about that today." Reid said McNabb is able to throw, "not with great velocity or length right now." Reid said he would take into account the Eagles' ..."

If McNabb is out, Kolb will start

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September 22

Camden Courier-Post

"The Eagles' starting lineup against the Chiefs on Sunday could look strikingly similar to the one that just got pounded by the New Orleans Saints. Coach Andy Reid said Monday that Kevin Kolb would remain the starter if Donovan McNabb's broken rib still hasn't mended enough to get the franchise quarterback on the field against Kansas City. And don't expect to see any fewer trick plays or gadgets in the offense, especially with the potential of Michael Vick making his Eagles debut. Kolb, who completed 31 of 51 passes for 391 yards in his NFL starting debut, will have another week of work with the first offense if McNabb doesn't make a drastic improvement by Wednesday, when the team ..."

McNabb says rib injury improving

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September 22

Philadelphia Daily News

"Donovan McNabb, who watched from the Eagles' sideline as Kevin Kolb quarterbacked Sunday, told a team spokesman yesterday that like Andy Reid, McNabb believes his fractured rib is progressing, but he can't say whether he will play Sunday against Kansas City."I think there is a process that is going on, and the progression makes you feel confident that things are going to be better," McNabb said. "Hopefully, it will be quicker than later. I'm looking forward to being back out on the field."Asked about playing, McNabb said: "I wish I had an answer, but I don't. Hopefully, things will continue to get better and I'll have one for you later."Earlier, Reid said "there's a chance" McNabb could ..."

McNabb still uncertain; Jackson day-to-day

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September 21

Camden Courier-Post

"Donovan McNabb isn't the Eagles' only playmaker who's status for practice this week is cloudy. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who caught a 71-yard touchdown in the first quarter, is day-to-day with a groin strain, Eagles coach Andy Reid said Monday in his day-after press conference to sum up Sunday's hideous 48-22 loss defeat to New Orleans. It doesn't sound overly serious, but the prospect of an offense without McNabb and Jackson against Kansas City probably keeps Marty Mornhinweg awake at night. As for McNabb, Reid said the quarterback had made good progress throughout last week but the healing process seemed to slow over the week, from Friday through Sunday. McNabb's status for the ..."

Kolb gets starting nod for Eagles

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September 20

ESPN.com

"Kevin Kolb will start for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints as Donovan McNabb isn't ready to play because of a fractured rib. Kolb has never thrown a TD pass in eight career games. A strange scenario played out this week at Eagles practice, where McNabb, Jeff Garcia and Michael Vick mingled in the background while Kolb ran the offense. Three quarterbacks with a combined 12 Pro Bowls and six NFC title games have been reduced to cheerleaders for Kolb and his 167 career yards passing and four interceptions. Garcia knows what could happen among Eagles fans if Kolb gets off to a slow start. Garcia was an instant favorite here during his first stint when he led the ..."

McNabb doubtful to play; Kolb expected to start

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September 19

Philadelphia Inquirer

"It's a sticky situation not saying who your quarterback is, even though every sign points to one person. Andy Reid declared Donovan McNabb doubtful for tomorrow's home opener against the Saints, but the Eagles' coach wouldn't rule out the possibility that his starting quarterback would recover in time to play. Apparently, McNabb's fractured rib, which was broken clean through the bone on Sunday, has started to mend. "I think it's sticky," Reid said yesterday of McNabb's mending rib at the NovaCare Complex. "When they start feeling better that's normally a sign that that's happened." Asked about his condition, McNabb laughed and said, "I feel great," before walking out of the team's locker ..."

Updated injury report for Sunday's game between the Saints and Eagles

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September 18

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will officially be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Saints, according to Coach Andy Reid. That pretty much rules him out, barring a miracle weekend recovery. Teams aren't allowed to be deceptive with their injury reports. If a guy plays when he's listed as doubtful, they need to have a good explanation. ... But then again, McNabb has played on Sundays in the past even when he's missed an entire week of practice, so don't rule out a Willis Reed-type emergence. The Saints, meanwhile, have listed tailback Pierre Thomas as questionable with his sprained right knee after he practiced on a limited basis again Friday. I'd be surprised to see ..."

Williams knows tough week coming

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September 18

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"For the second week in a row, the Saints' defense will face a quarterback making his NFL starting debut, if third-year pro Kevin Kolb indeed fills in for injured Philadelphia starter Donovan McNabb on Sunday. Last week, the Saints made things rough on Detroit rookie Matthew Stafford, intercepting three passes in a 45-27 victory. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams pointed out two differences this time around. "This one's been in the league longer," he said of Kolb, who was drafted in the second round out of Houston in 2007. "And I think (Philadelphia) is one of the best-coached teams in the National Football League, year in and year out." Williams knows the Eagles well, having faced ..."

Getting McNabb back by Sunday best option

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September 16

Camden Courier-Post

columnist Martin Frank

"Andy Reid's actions often speak louder than his words. All we get are a few "Ums," a "We'll see" or two, or an occasional "He's doing fine." That was the case Monday when Reid said that he's still hoping that Donovan McNabb can play against New Orleans Sunday, even though he has a cracked rib, was still sore and probably won't practice until the end of the week, if at all. "He's going to try to battle through that, but we will see how things go as the week goes on," Reid said. "He'll struggle to practice the majority of the week there, but we'll see how he does." If you're trying to read between the lines -- and that's pretty much all you can do -- you can take this to mean that Reid is ..."

N.O. won't complain if McNabb sits

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September 15

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"The belief here is a team prefers to catch its opponent at full strength, wants to absorb the best shot the opponent has to give and, especially on the road, wants to be able to say it won anyway -- especially if the opponent is a heavyweight contender. It doesn't want that foe to be able to say it fell because it didn't have all its weapons. But I'm guessing it won't bother the Saints all that much if Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who fractured a rib in Sunday's victory at Carolina, can't play Sunday. I'm thinking it won't concern New Orleans if McNabb is, at best, limited in what he can do because of the injury. Heaven knows opponents have shown no mercy to the Saints the past ..."

Eagles sign Jeff Garcia

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September 14

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Eagles have signed quarterback Jeff Garcia, a league source has confirmed. Garcia helped lead the Eagles to the playoffs in 2006 after Donovan McNabb’s season end with an injury. Garcia started six games for the Birds that season and was quickly taken in by the fans. Since leaving the Eagles, Garcia, 39, spent the last two seasons with Tampa Bay and then spent training camp this summer with Oakland before he was released. The signing was initially reported by ESPN.com. Garcia was signed by the Raiders in the offseason to a 1-year deal, presumably to help mentor JaMacus Russell. He then missed the first two weeks of training camp with a left calf injury and did not play in the first ..."

Eagles to keep tabs on injured McNabb

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September 14

ESPN.com

"Donovan McNabb's status is uncertain for the Eagles' game against New Orleans next Sunday because of a cracked rib. "He's pretty sore," coach Andy Reid said Monday. "He's going to try and battle through it. He'll struggle to practice." When the Eagles return to practice Wednesday, backup Kevin Kolb will work with the starting unit, Reid said. If McNabb is not available for Sunday's home opener against New Orleans, Reid said he hasn't determined who will back up Kolb. Michael Vick is suspended for the first two regular-season games to complete penalties for bankrolling a dogfighting ring."

For Eagles, biggest change is an assertive McNabb

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September 10

Philadelphia Daily News

columnist Rich Hofmann

"IF THE TOPIC this season is change, nobody on the Eagles seems more changed than Donovan McNabb.No one knows if it will matter, of course - such is the beauty of the mystery of a National Football League season. How an alteration in public personality might affect a person's play on the field is debatable, at best. A personal guess is that it will be the kind of evidence that might be employed in hindsight, that this change will be a convenient method of explaining either the ability of McNabb to take the final step in his career ("He finally took charge!") or the ultimate collapse of this whole fragile enterprise ("The bond between coach and quarterback was broken!"). Either way, it'll ..."

McNabb openly excited for Eagles vs. Panthers

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September 10

Philadelphia Daily News

"You see trouble ahead? Donovan McNabb sees excitement.That's part of being the Eagles' quarterback, knowing what you are supposed to say about stuff. Yesterday was McNabb's first weekly news conference of the regular season, and not surprisingly, a lot of the questions had to do with how McNabb feels going into Sunday's opener at Carolina behind an offensive line that hasn't played together, alongside a franchise running back who got no preseason carries, recovering from June ankle surgery.The first two answers, McNabb used "excited" or "exciting" four times. As in, it's going to be exciting, trying to escape from a rampaging Julius Peppers without suffering bodily harm."I'm confident that ..."

With Vick, Reid puts pressure on McNabb again

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September 7

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist Phil Sheridan

"The departure of A.J. Feeley brings back memories of a disturbing episode in recent Eagles history that has a real chance of repeating itself with a vengeance in the weeks to come.We want A.J., we want A.J. . . .It was September 2003, just eight months after the Eagles' gut-punch loss to Tampa Bay in the NFC championship game at Veterans Stadium. The Eagles opened their inaugural season at brand-new Lincoln Financial Field with home games against the two most recent Super Bowl champions.They lost to the Bucs, 17-0, on a Monday night. Six days later, they got destroyed by New England. By the third quarter of the Patriots game, Donovan McNabb was being booed every time he took the field. A ..."

McNabb was only joking

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September 6

Philadelphia Inquirer

"While wondering what's new with the Eagles - did they sign a new quarterback or something? - it's time to empty the mailbag. . .Perhaps McNabb did not mean it as a criticism of Michael Vick when he complained that he should get passes when lined [up] as a wide receiver, but it came through that way. It's not surprising that Vick began, after a long absence, by going inside. McNabb should have talked to Vick rather than going the T.O.-publicity route.- WaltWalt,Deep breath, brother. If you're painting and the fumes are getting to you, maybe you should open up a window first and get some fresh air. I promise that McNabb was kidding about getting the ball thrown to him. It was a joke. ..."

With Michael Vick unleashed, Donovan McNabb could be taking walk soon

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September 4

New York Daily News

columnist Tim Smith

"Thursday was an eventful day for Michael Vick. But they have all been that way since commissioner Roger Goodell cracked the door open and allowed him to return to the NFL in July following an 18-month stint in a federal prison on dogfighting charges. Goodell met with Vick at a hotel in New Jersey Thursday. Three hours before the Eagles took the field against the Jets, he told Vick that he will be eligible to play in Week 3. That means the clock is now ticking on Donovan McNabb's tenure as the Eagles' starting QB. "I was surprised," said Vick, who expected a six-game suspension from Goodell. "I'm blessed to have the opportunity to play quarterback. It's still somewhat of a dream when I ..."

McNabb, Vick may play together

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August 18

Washington Times

"Donovan McNabb said he has no problem with Michael Vick taking some of his snaps and warned opponents that the two quarterbacks could be on the field together at times. The Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick last week to add a different dimension to the team's offense, not to push McNabb for a starting job. It's likely that Vick, a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback in six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, will be used in a variation of the Wildcat formation. But even in that scenario, McNabb won't necessarily be watching from the sideline. "I'll be a receiver. I might be a tight end," he said with a smile Monday. "You never know where I'll be." It's uncertain whether the Eagles would risk ..."

McNabb passed Vick idea to Reid

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August 18

Philadelphia Inquirer

"During their conversations, after Michael Vick was released from prison, Donovan McNabb never told the notorious quarterback the plan that he was formulating. Which might not have been a bad idea considering how far-fetched it may have seemed a month ago. But in July, as Vick was serving the final days of house arrest, McNabb approached Eagles coach Andy Reid and tossed out an idea that didn't fall to the turf. "I said, 'Why don't we think about signing Vick and bringing him into camp, and he'll get an opportunity to get his feet up under him, I'll get a chance to work with him, and he'll get a chance to learn from the best?' " McNabb said yesterday before practice at the NovaCare Complex. ..."

McNabb: 'I'll be a receiver, tight end'

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August 17

ESPN.com

"Donovan McNabb said he has no problem with Michael Vick taking some of his snaps and warns opponents that the two quarterbacks could be on the field together at times. McNabb said Monday he mentioned to the Eagles even before Vick was released from home confinement July 20 that they should take a serious look at adding him. McNabb said he followed up two weeks later to ensure they had his support in considering Vick. "You deserve an opportunity to kind of change your life around," McNabb said. According to the team, Vick was signed by the Eagles to add a different dimension to the team's offense, not to push McNabb for a starting job."

Manuel, McNabb hardly out of their league

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June 18

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist Phil Sheridan

"Maybe the motivation was to get out of the office for a day. Whatever the reason, thousands of them streamed from the parking lots into the Wachovia Center yesterday to get pumped up by Zig Ziglar and Steve Forbes, Colin Powell and Rudy Giuliani.Oh, yes. And Charlie Manuel and Donovan McNabb.Now the idea of the Phillies' folksy manager and the Eagles' un-folksy quarterback serving as inspirational speakers sets up almost as many jokes as there were attendees at the arena. Manuel has acknowledged his own discomfort with public speaking, and McNabb's news conferences have often been clinics in how to talk without actually saying anything. For most of this off-season, he avoided talking ..."

Details of the McNabb deal

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June 16

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The details of Donovan McNabb's restructured contract with the Eagles are in and the two-year deal is worth $24.2 million, not including incentives that are categorized as not likely to be earned.The quarterback's new deal represents a $5 million bump in pay, according to a league source.Under the terms of the old deal, McNabb had base salaries of $9.2 million this year and $10 million in 2010. His base salary remains $9.2 million for this season and is now guaranteed. The Eagles will pay McNabb a $2.8 million roster bonus that is due Friday. He will also be paid a per-game bonus of $31,250, which adds up to $500,000 over 16 games.McNabb's base salary for next season will actuallyfrom $10 ..."

McNabb could earn $24.2 million in next 2 years

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June 16

Philadelphia Daily News

"Friday is the first payday for Donovan McNabb under the terms of his reworked contract; the Eagles quarterback is scheduled to receive a $2.8 million roster bonus, according to the numbers made available to NFL agents, local agent Jerrold Colton said.As reported earlier, McNabb stands to make about $5 million more overall than the $19.2 million he originally was scheduled to make under his 2002 contract. He also is believed to have about $1 million in incentives, but exactly how those work was not part of the data Colton received, he said.Colton said the Eagles fully guaranteed the $9.2 million McNabb was scheduled to make this season. In addition to Friday's $2.8 million, McNabb can earn ..."

You Talking to Me? McNabb vs. Eli Manning

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June 15

Philadelphia Inquirer

"From: Gonzalez, John To: Ford, Bob; Fox, Ashley Subject: McNabb or Manning?Donovan McNabb has more money now, but, as we all know, that can't buy you love. On its list of the top 99 players in the NFL, FoxSports.com ranked McNabb six spots behind Eli Manning. Over at ESPN.com, our friend Matt Mosley put together his top 10 NFC East building blocks - players who could lead a Super Bowl contender for the next three years. Manning was No. 1 on Mosley's list; McNabb didn't make the cut.I was a little surprised by all that. If you were the Eagles' head coach and you had both Manning and McNabb on your roster, which one would be your starting quarterback for the 2009 season?From: Fox, AshleyTo: ..."

Salary hike an ultimatum for McNabb

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June 13

Camden Courier-Post

columnist Geoff Mosher

"By increasing his salary for the next two years, the Eagles guaranteed that Donovan McNabb will be among the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks until 2010. Beyond that, it's uncertain what else is etched in stone. It's reasonable to assume the Eagles expect the 32-year-old McNabb to be their starter until the end of 2010, and perhaps beyond, if he can deliver a Super Bowl win. They ponied up the roughly $19 million he was slated to make and kicked in about $5 or $6 million more -- depending on which source you ask -- to ensure that his contract reflects current market value. Some view the pay hike as the organization's mea culpa for embarrassing the franchise star last November when McNabb ..."