Did Reid leave wiggle room on McNabb?
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
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 ...
You know, I am as disappointed as the rest of us. But come on, the media has made this a story for the past 11 years and McNabb is our QB and will be our QB. Despite the fact that we are missing our trophy, this guy has given us so much to cheer about. I remember going to the Vet and never seeing a victory. So instead of whipping up a fake controversy, let's concentrate on the positions that do need upgrading. QB is not one of them.— Jeff in Langhorne- I don't understand why Reid is so intent on competition at all positions to determine playing time, but he insists on just giving the QB job to McNabb. At least make him earn the job. Why is competition healthy for all positions, except for the most important one of all? I am so tired of worrying about the "feelings" and temperment" fo these guys.— Bobphxville
Comment removed.- Whats the point? as long as either McNabb or Reid is here, the Eagles will never win the Super Bowl— Old German
- I read every day but never ever comment.I will say here and now after what the Eagles went through with injurys etc. etc.etc I do not believe any corparation could sustain and improve over all for the coming years{running game,catching game,special teams etc...All I can say is I REPEAT I BELIEVE the EAGLES finally win the Big One The Super Bowl...So hang on and enjoy next year,So until thensigning off Captain Jerome Michael Anthony— Captain Jerome Michael Anthony
- 2010 feeling like 9-7 and Wild Card at best. We all know what happens after that
- @TheReck82 -Right because Philly is the only city where the fans disagree with management. In Ny they just say "i know they'll try harder next time" @nizzies - Maybe the D could tackle if that weren't on the filed for 8 years. which maybe, just maybe had something to do with how AWFUL McNabb's 5 yards short passes were. WAKE UP!!!!— Eagle GREEN Mt State
- First and foremost, I am a big McNabb supporter. However, McNabb needs to go. McNabb of 4-5 years ago would have won that Dallas game with his legs and arm. Now, there is just an arm. Green Bay let go of Brett Favre and took a chance with Aaron Rogers and its worked out for them. We have to see if Kolb can work out or get another young QB in here. Sorry Westbrook, your body is shot too and need to go. Enjoy your millions you have earned playing football and learn loving sipping Mai Tai's on a nice, warm beach.— Tom98786
- Anybody here work for a NFL franchise? I don't. Anyone here know actual "game day football"? I kinda do, played at a level, no super star. Anyone here a NFL Scout/Personnel guy? Not me. I grant most that posted see and correctly ASSUME what they see being played out during a NFL game. On Mr. McNabb. No brainer, at this moment in time, he will return, should. Why? Besides the QB's currently in the playoffs, what is up for trade bait/street? Kolb, new direction. You will be the very same one's posting in 2 season's this guy is not worth a pork sandwich. Remember John Elway? That said he would never get over the top... As far as "cut the dead weight statement". Again. What the coaches saw they stuck with. If there was anyone out there that understood the "system", the Birds would have kept. I have questions, but I quickly put them to rest after I go back to "NFL" standards. EVERY team wants to WIN. If you think the squad on Broad St is not committed to winning and finding the BEST talent, stop, drop, and roll off a cliff. Yes I'm mad still with the departure of B Dawk. I have no "inside" but I would say 90% the front office understand that blunder move. And they realize the O Line moves were a unseen set back. But as a True Eagle guy, I believe they have learned what is what. With that said. If, just me, see in this off season not a step to correct deficiencies (the secondary is non existence) a compliment for Cole plus one, depth LB, TOTAL OL revamp (Andrews Brothers are what they are) another RB (220-225 downhill) 2 WR's...No more Gold Standard Statements. No more Best Roster statements. The Eagle faithful eat those words up Front Office (And WIP). I am behind you, since 1964.........— STIII
- MG44...tell that to Reid— JamesJ
- Time for McNabb to move on! Trade him while he still has good trade value left. Kevin Kolb should get his shot and I think he will do well. Trade the Andrew Sisters as well and strengthen the O-Line. Add another RB but a power back to complement McCoy and as insurance for Westbrook - WestB should be given a shot to see what he can do next year. I wouldn't be so quick to push him under the bus. On Defense, the Eagles need another "Trent Cole" DE on the opposite side, one or two solid LB's, another solid CB and a "Dawkins" like Safety. Add those six or seven players - most of them via FA along with a good draft and Bradley, Gaither, Jackson and Ingram coming back and the Eagles will be in contention. But we need a change at QB. Donovan deserves our respect and love for his eleven years of playing great ball for the Birds but time for him and the Eagles to move on.— Danny55
- Mcdumb will not be back next year. Its about time the Eagles put in a new QB and get rid of this loser who can't win for nothing. Myself as a Cowboys fan has proved that my team has beat up McDumb three times this year. Too bad for all you stupid fans who are crying now and sitting at home watching the playoffs!— MRD
- Let MacNabb go to StLouis, Kansas City, Denver, Carolina, Jacksonville, Seattle,Cleveland, Buffalo ( oops T.O.) . They all need QB's. They all have something of value to trade for. Let him go.He deserves better. If you blame him for not doing enough with a pass obsessive, no running game scheme that we are stuck with here in Philly we can watch him play somewhere else. And appreciate the talent that he really is.— MJPD345
- I have been a fan since "Jurgensen to McDonald" DM is in the wrong offense. He is a bomber like Dan Pastorini, Kenny Stabler, or even Aaron Rodgers. What he is in is a catch and run offense doesn't suit him..never will.Would love to see him with some long runners either here or elsewhere. Yes Banner via Einstien is correct.."Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expectin a different result."— johnnymon
- Comment removed.
