Did Reid leave wiggle room on McNabb?
OK, we all know that Andy Reid reiterated today what he said after Saturday's game: That Donovan McNabb is his quarterback for next season.
Did Reid leave wiggle room on McNabb?
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
OK, we all know that Andy Reid reiterated today what he said after Saturday's game: That Donovan McNabb is his quarterback for next season.
But did the Eagles coach leave himself some wiggle room? Can Reid say two months from now when McNabb has been dealt to the Rams, "Now, I didn't exactly say Don was definitely my quarterback."
Here's the exact question as it was phrased during Reid's season-ending press conference:
"Andy, after the game you said you envisioned Donovan being your quarterback for next season. A couple of days later, can you definitively say that he will be your quarterback next season."
Here's Reid's response:
"You said, 'I envisioned it.' I was asked if Donovan would be my quarterback next year and I said, 'Yes.' So that's what I'm saying now."
Some reporters interpreted the "now" as Reid's way of leaving himself some room. But the "now" was in reference to his answer about McNabb after Saturday's game.
Reid was then asked, "Is that your call?"
"That's my call," he said.
There you have it. It's Reid's call. But what if it isn't Reid's call? What if team president Joe Banner has the final say? If McNabb were to be traded, Reid would be labeled a liar or it would suggest that Banner had overuled Reid, which would be a change in the team's power structure.
Ultimately, it doesn't matter what Reid said. He could have said, "McNabb is my guy. Book it. Write it down in stone. Mark it in ink. I swear on the eyes of my children. Strike me down, Lord, if I'm not telling the truth. McNabb will be the Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback next season," and it would have been as sincere as someone saying, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman."
As with everything Eagles-related, consider what they do, not what they say. For instance, Reid was asked if McNabb, who has one year left on his deal, needed a contract extension. It would seem inconceivable that McNabb would go into the season with just one year left on his deal. It just doesn't happen with franchise quarterbacks, especially one as scrutinized and criticized as McNabb.
"I will get on that down the road as we go," Reid said. "He got a nice little kick for the next few years here in salary. I don't think that will be a problem."
McNabb had his contract restructured last June, but he did not get the extension he had hoped for. Reid's little dig about the "little kick" could suggest that the Eagles think that was enough. It probably isn't in McNabb's eyes. He said after Saturday's game that he would welcome an extension. The longer a deal doesn't get done, the more it would suggest that McNabb was trade fodder.
Reid said that he was not aware of public opinion on the McNabb question.
"I don’t know what the questions are," Reid said. "I haven’t heard any questions other than what I was asked in here. I’m not out to analyze anything else. I was asked if it was my decision. It’s my decision. That’s what it is."
If McNabb is his starting quarterback, then what of Kevin Kolb? What of Michael Vick?
"I respect that and feel very fortunate to be in that position," Reid said. "I don’t want to give up any of them. I like them all." Reid would add later: "We’ll look at all this. I haven’t gotten to that point where I’m comparing players and contracts. We like Kevin Kolb. We like Michael Vick. We like Donovan McNabb. It’s a pretty good situation to be in as we go into the offseason."
McNabb and Vick have been starters before. Can Kolb start?
"Absolutely," Reid said. "The other two guys have proven that. They’ve been top quarterbacks in this league for years."
And so it goes ...
For years we have been hearing the same lame excuses, I for one am sick and tired of the words and the let downs, it is well over due for some action to back up mere words. To continue to do the same thing is lunacy....to paraphrase the words of another fan.— DBrooks48
Does anyone really think that Joe Banner has the last word? If so, I'd say it's time to give up drinking (or whatever mind-altering substance you are taking)!!
nizzies -- i (use to)consider myself a mcnabb 'supporter'. but last night was a wake up call. from the silly airguitar thing to throwing at ppl feet consistently, i think its time for him to go. while it was NOT all off mcnabbs fault, he didnt help the cause. he has time and time again shown that he shrinks if he doesnt have a year to throw the ball. he gets happy feet and holds onto the ball to long. i'm ready ror vick/kolb.
Comment removed.- Regardless of anyone's opinion on McNabb (and yes, I'm still a big fan), what the he** did you want Reid to say? I'm all for strong journalism, but the "pin-me-down" journalism displayed at the press conferences, and then this futile analysis is, at best, silly.— MG44
- The fact that Reid is giving less than definitive statements about McNabb returning indicates that they plan to trade him. They won't come out and say it for two reasons: 1) it would be scapegoating McNabb for the lose and Reid is not the kind of person to that 2) telling other teams up front that you want to trade a player diminishes your negotiating position. The Eagles management thinks highly of Kolb. He WILL be the starting QB next season.— soulman386
- “Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results" We've been down this road again and again with Reid & McNabb. For better or worse, Reid and his extension are not going anywhere. That leaves one option. And how about all the McNabb apologist give it a rest instead of saying those of us tired of the same old act from McNabb settle down?
- "... We like Kevin Kolb. We like Michael Vick. We like Donovan McNabb. It’s a pretty good situation to be in as we go into the offseason." Hopefully in Reid's mind right now, that's how he ranks his QBs, in the order which he said.— mrbean
- We know what insanity is. Redundancy is using that same "insanity" quote over and over again and acting like it's new, clever or interesting anymore.— MG44
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- MG44...It is what it is, nobody is trying to be funny or clever. So if you've got the press figured out, me and other posters figured out, how about you figure out & fix what's wrong with the team and we won't be on here venting our frustrations...
- Look, I'm a huge McNabb supporter and understand the views of those who think he had enough time and drastic changes are needed. While I want Donovan back next year, there is no question that some major personnel changes are needed. I am really starting to get tired of management's pompous attitude and patting themselves on the back and doing enough to get close but not going all out to get over that hump. We're the only team left that's been elite for the better part of the past decade with no Lombardi trophy to show for it. I appreciate sustained success it means jack if it doesn't end in a SB one of these years. Serious issues on D, I want real playmakers at DE, LB, and S. Cut the dead weight. Do what needs to be done to fix the d and o-line and let's win this frickin thing already.— Funboy
- No way McNabb gets all, or even most, of the blame for the Cowboys debacle, but considering his cap number and age, I'd still consider trading him in the offseason (Oakland, Buffalo and Cleveland come immediately to mind as teams who should be in the market for a veteran QB). Keep Vick. Use the cap room for help at linebacker and secondary.— paolibulldog
- You reporters amaze me. Would it behoove or benefit Reid, in any way whatsoever, to come out and appease you guys with explaining the offseason plan for roster upgrade and who the potential trade partners are for the "under contract" players he wants to trade? No, yet you continuously attempt to make it newsworthy.— The Reddgie
