Banner on QB situation
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Banner on QB situation
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Eagles introduced Howie Roseman as their new general manager today, so it was no time like the present to ask about the quarterback situation.
That is, unless, you're asking Andy Reid. The Eagles coach, of course, doesn't talk about issues that he feels are unrelated to the gathering at hand, which in this case was the introduction of Roseman. Eagles president Joe Banner, however, offered some clarity (we say that sarcastically) on the McNabb-Kolb-Vick conundrum.
"Here's the reality on that, it sounds evasive, but it isn't," Banner said. "[After] we finished playing we all stayed here for a week and kind of finished the evaluation of the season. We all took a week off and then went to the Senior Bowl -- some of us went to the Senior Bowl, some of us didn't -- and we've literally been back one day. So we really have not had the meeting to start figuring this stuff out. Obviously we have to do that. ... Obviously we have to make a decision on what we're going to do. But at this moment I can tell you that we haven't even laid out a plan or sat down and even exchanged our different ideas or thoughts on that."
Yes, but didn't Reid say that McNabb was his quarterback for next year? Does that complicate the analysis?
"I think Andy's comment were unambiguous," Banner said. "I understand that it's still a valid ... question and I don't know if there's anything to clarify or add to what he said. He's the decision-maker. He's the spokesperson. I think he was clear."
All three quarterbacks have just one year remaining on their contracts. McNabb said earlier this week that he wouldn't pursue an extension, although it would seem unlikely that he would want to go into the season without more security.
"Tom Brady is doing it, Peyton Manning has done it twice," Banner said. "Peyton Manning actually played on the last year of his contract and part of the year on a franchise tag. No, that wouldn't be unusual.
"We do have to make a decision on this and the decision could be anything from the status quo to some change. I think Andy's comment speaks very clearly for where we're at as it relates to Donovan. There's no point in me trying to eleborate on it."
The Eagles have 11 players that are either on the last year of their contract or are unrestricted free agents. There's also the complication that could arise if there is no agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement.
Banner was also asked about Brian Westbrook's status, but you can just copy and paste his response to the quarterback question and place it right about ... here. The Eagles haven't made any personnel decisions in regards to their current roster.
This is great news for people who want to see McNabb traded. Banner could have said "I can't envision a scenario where Donovan McNabb would not be the quarterback..." like he said in previous years. I truly believe Kolb will thrive in Andy Reid's system. Banner's comments are a big relief to me.— soulman386- Another 300 word article that provides little to no new information. Thanks!— The Reddgie
- soulman... McNabb will be the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010. Banner didn't come out and say that, in fact, based on the reading of his comments it seems to me that Banner doesn't think McNabb should be back, but he stated its Reid's decision. I only believe Banner wasn't more definitive because he disagrees with Reid, but it's not Banner's decision. And I say thank God for that! #5 superfly— JMick1215
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I think reporters will keep asking the same questions about McNabb until they get the answer they want to hear. Reid said McNabb is the starting quarterback next year. While I wish it wasn't so, that's the way it is.— ej610- The Eagles would be negligent to not explore trade opportunities with Arizona and other teams. Heck, McNabb might see the writing on the wall and lobby to join his next door neighbor, Ken Whisenhunt, in Arizona with a new deal and a loaded team. In Philly, he is one injury away from joining an equally accomplished peer, Mark Brunnell, as a clipboard holder. In AZ he will be the Air Guitarin' chokin' man for 3 years at least.— jtj06
Hey Howie! Go get the Coffee...Stand in the Corner and talk only when spoken to!— citysims- I think the McNabb era has one more season. Our Superbowl hopes have passed us by with the current Coach and QB. 2010 season will pretty much reflect the 2009 season (10-6, 11-5) with wins against weak or mediocre teams, and losses to good teams. Then it's one and out in the playoffs. I don't know if Kevin Kolb is the answer. He may be the answer on maintaining the current level of mediocrity. Defensive line needs run stoppers. Stewart Bradley coming back should help. I don't see our Birds being a real playoff threat for the foreseeable future. So, don't set your expectations too high. Maybe they'll pleasantly surprise us, but likely it will be as I predicted above.— BMan
- Can we start a pledge drive to get Donovan out of tow? Everyone throws in $5....boom, we send him off to AZ with a Harley Davidson and some soft pretzels. Enter Kolb.
- Why bother asking? The real question is what can they get for Vick.— massfan
- As much as I would hate to see the Eagles go to Kolb and take a step back, the silver lining will be making the haters watch McNabb have success in another uniform.— aj322
- It appears to me that the vague response to Reid's comment regarding McNabb being his quarterback really says a lot. Banner, Roseman and Co. will sit down and I believe, convince Reid (if he needs to be) that Kolb & Co. are ready to take over the offense and the $$$ issue will be the driving force, as usual. Look for Don in Arizona, S.F., Buffalo, St. Louis or possibly, Minnesota. Don't look for him to be here! THE END IS NEAR!!!— walt1
- EAGLES NATION CARES A-----E— PhillyNH
- Well that made it clear! What we've suspected for the last couple of seasons has come to pass. Banner wants change and Reid wants the status quo... take a guess at who's a republican and who's a democrat! lol...I like Don, want him traded though. I just don't think he can win it here....Have a feeling he will still be here unless someone blows Andy away with a sick offer. I think the two year window Don got last summer was a result of a compromise between Banner and Andy. If he can't win it next year, he's gone.— sima_down_nah
If McNabb goes elsewhere, nobody will care what he does unless he wins a ring (starting). That's all that matters when it comes to McNabb and this fan base now. He needs the ring to get his respect. Aside from that scenario, we will be too busy talking about how much someone else is letting us down to care what #5 is doing for the Rams.— gho_matt
