MCNABB WILL START AGAINST CARDINALS
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
MCNABB WILL START AGAINST CARDINALS
Bob Brookover
Donovan McNabb will be back at quarterback Thursday night when the Eagles play the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field.
Coach Andy Reid made that announcement at his weekly news conference following the Eagles' ugly 36-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Sunday during which he pulled McNabb in favor of Kevin Kolb after halftime.
"As I said (Sunday), sometimes you have to take a step back to take a step forward in a positve way and Donovan will do that," Reid said. "This has nothing to do with Kolb's performance or Donovan's performance."
Reid added that he would not have changed his decision to relieve McNabb with Kolb in the second half against the Ravens.
"Donovan is going out to play," Reid said. "Sometimes it's good to step back and look at things at a little different angle. I expect him to go out and play his heart out. I think I know Donovan McNabb better than anybody in this room. Six turnovers, that's not him. That's not his game. That's not any part of his game."
McNabb had six turnovers in the Eagles' last two games and has thrown interceptions in each of his last four games.
Asked if McNabb would start the final five games, Reid said, "As I sit here right now, he's my starting quarterback."
Reid said his decision Sunday was based upon what he thought was best for his team first and for McNabb second.
"I will make every decision on what I think is best for this football team," he said. "That's the seat I sit in and the way I'll always approach it."
Reid also defended his decision to have quarterbacks coach Pat Shurmur inform McNabb of the quarterback change during halftime.
"That's how things are," Reid said. "I really don't care what anybody else thinks about that. That's how we do it. The coach approaches that player and then I talk to them afterward. It's not a matter of disrespecting Donovan or any other player."
Asked if he was concerned about the reception McNabb will receive before the Eagles' Thanksgiving night game against Arizona, Reid said, "You can't worry about all that. You take care of what you can control. You get rid of the ifs and play."
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Ok, let's slow down. I think Reid is the one who needs to go. Look at guys like Kurt Warner and Kerry Collins. Who didn't think those guys were done and now we are going to run the wrong guy out of town. If we had a running game Number 5 wouldn't have to throw as much and we could close games out. It's a numbers game. The more passes you throw, the more likely you are going to have picks. I hope they don't run 5 out of town. I watch the games like everyone else. We have a Championship Defense, it's just that our Offensive playing calling leaves them on the field for way too long. I don't think Cower is the answer per se, but we need a coach that runs first. I promise the last thing any in one in philly wants is for 5 to go to another city with a running game and Defense and win a championship ( Chi Town ). For the record Kolb seems like a nice kid but he isn't the answer.— thefeature- It could be worse--we could all be Detroit Lions fans.— sandman
- I think Reid made the right move in benching McNabb. That was a do-or-die game, and McNabb's performance was unacceptable. The play callling is part of it, and Reid deserves blame for it, but I think he made the right decision given McNabb's play.— p-diddy
- Once again, dopes are saying Mcnabb is the savior... look what kolb did... duh you dummies, kolb was put out there to be hanged by his own coach. I saw what McLazy has done since the superbowl.. nothing! Also, Cowher? Sorry I dont want to wait another 11 years for a superbowl. I nominate Vince Papale!— Wise_Owl
- Legit sources now report that the TV NETWORK demanded McNabb be the starter on Thursday. Oh, the impotence of the Eagles front office!— jman
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- Donavan is the Man.....— garyshaffer
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- Week 12 of the NFL saw the most points scored in it's history. The Eagles contributed a whopping 7 to the grand total. The best thing about the next game is most people won't see it!— Ken B
- Good move... I still think McNabb is our guy. He just needs a running game, not a running back, and for the recievers to actually catch the ball and not have a lot of drops. McNabb can only be as good as the players surounding him. Let's get it done this week fellas— lenny_eaglefan
