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Take your pick: Andy Reid should bench Donovan McNabb. Andy Reid should stick with Donovan McNabb.
Either way, history will be on your side. History is funny that way. Like statistics,
it can be used to support any argument you want to make.
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The feeling here hasn't changed. McNabb's injured thumb is sufficient reason for Reid to give his franchise quarterback some time off. Let Koy Detmer play a game or two. While McNabb's thumb is healing, perhaps a couple of other objectives could be achieved. NFL Tickets
First, McNabb's psyche could heal a little, too. Those of us with memories longer
than a month will recall that he can be a very successful, game-winning NFL
quarterback. That said, he has been way below that standard this season. McNabb's
confidence has taken the same kind of beating his body has over the last 11
months, and a little hiatus may help.
Second, everyone can get a look at the Eagles' offense with a different QB at
the controls. That should help solve some other mysteries, such as the apparent
mess the offensive line has become and the apparent inability of the wide receivers
to get open or run after they catch the ball. NFL Tickets
For now, it seems clear, Reid has no intention of taking that advice. If you
look at his NFL experience, at the history he knows best, it's easy to figure
why.
The short version: Brett Favre, 196 consecutive starts, including playoffs.
In 1999, the year after Reid and Mike Holmgren left Green Bay, Favre injured
his right thumb in a preseason game. He then had arguably his worst season as
a full-time starter. Favre threw for more than 3,000 yards, but he threw more
interceptions (23) than touchdown passes (22) and his passer rating was 74.7.
The Packers went 8-8 that year. NFL Tickets
Favre started every game. Even though the thumb affected every throw, even though
he kept aggravating it by playing, Favre started every game.
His record-starts streak no doubt entered into the decision to continue playing.
But the main reason was that big-time quarterbacks play unless they absolutely
are physically unable to do so. It's part of the code of honor.
As McNabb has struggled this season, many of his critics point to the way Steve
McNair is playing in Tennessee. And no wonder. McNair threw for 421 yards Sunday
in a victory over the Houston Texans. He is having a spectacular season, with
11 touchdown passes, just two interceptions, and a passer rating of 107.8.
Look at McNair's history, though, and you see that he first earned respect with
his toughness rather than his talent. In 2001, McNair played with a thumb so
banged up that he barely could practice. He didn't have great numbers that year,
but he was out there. One year he had a case of turf toe so bad that he cut
a hole in his shoe to make room for the swelling. But he played. NFL Tickets
McNair did miss five games in 1999 - after having disk surgery on his back.
He has played through injuries to his back, ribs, knee, foot and hand.
So Reid has some precedent to draw on here. By sticking with McNabb now, he
is sending strong messages. To McNabb, the message is that the coach has full
confidence in him, considers him a QB on par with Favre and McNair. To the rest
of the team, the message is that no excuses are being made. The line is going
to have to block better, the receivers are going to have to catch the ball.
To everyone else, Reid sends the message that, in spite of the recent difficulties,
there is no panic within the walls of the NovaCare Complex.
Is he right? Well, history can tell another story, too. It's funny that way.
Last year, St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz stood by Kurt Warner through a rough
start and a nagging injury to his right little finger. And why not? Warner had
won a Super Bowl and taken the Rams back to another. As the team went 0-5 to
start last season, Martz insisted Warner's throwing hand wasn't injured seriously
enough to warrant benching his star. Warner, living by the code, agreed.
It turned out Warner's finger was broken. He had surgery to repair it. Forced
to go with backup Marc Bulger, Martz watched his team take off. The Rams won
their next five games. When Warner came back, he got his job back. The Rams
finished 7-9.
Right now, the Eagles are at a major crossroads in their season. They face the
New York Giants, who are also 2-3, Sunday. Win, get to .500, and the schedule
gives them a chance to put together a little run. Lose, drop to 2-4 and last
place in the division, and this season could be beyond salvaging. NFL Tickets
So Reid's decision could have repercussions well beyond this one game. Going
with McNabb could pay long-term dividends if the QB snaps out of his funk and
leads the team to a win. Making a change could spark a win streak, or it could
lead to the slippery slope of a quarterback controversy.
Reid has made his call. He can take comfort in the fact that history - some
of it, at least - is on his side.