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."
I love the people who are already deeming Kolb's career a failure based on one half of a road game against a good defense after being thrown in at halftime. In my opinion, if McNabb isn't going to be back next season then why bother starting him? And from the looks of it, I wouldn't be surprised to see him gone. If that turns out to be the case, then they are wasting these 5 games (because they won't make the playoffs) that Kolb could be getting valuable experience in - 2 nationally televised night games (1 vs a playoff team) and 3 divisional games (2 on the road).— philly psu 24- I'm sorry. I must have missed the important part. Pitchers and catchers report when? And who's going to play left field?— TexColorado
- It's the right move. Kolb was thrown to the wolves. No reason to get excited until the last two games after we're eliminated. The kid needs reps.— Grazman
- I hope the fans at the game start booing as soon as they take the field. Our season is already over, so no matter what he does it wont salvage the damage he's already done. Im sure hes just going to stink up the linc.— phillyking22
- Good! At 30, he's still strong and he's also experienced, getting them to three NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl. When he's healthy he's always come out of his funks, knowing his coach had his back. I hope Reid wasn't imfluenced by the howls from the mob, and that he had a real motivating reason to pull him Sunday. Only one of those turnovers was his fault, the other two were good defensive plays, a DE's lucky hand slap and a CB outfighting DeSean Jackson for the ball. Let's see him in a normal game against an average defense.— robinlupe
Comment removed.- 6 turnovers is not donovan? did he really say that? six turnovers was donovan actually. it was real. when will andy sense reality?— jb99
- Comment removed.
- I'm glad I did not watch the game, but heard enough of that mess on the radio as I was watching my grandsons team win their football championship game against Moorestown. Their coaching staff can outdue Andy Reid anytime on the field! Reid must go......his play calling really sucks!— mick
- Kolb, again, was never the answer. He was just there to be the backup. The guy is not that good and has a weak arm. Reminded me of Jim McMahon or however you spell his name. He throws and even acts like him. "I can make that pass, I know I can make that pass." Yea you sure showed me you could. I guess Ed Reed wont argue with you on that point. Then again Ed doesnt play for the Eagles.....Reid is the problem, his picks are the problem, his attitude and everything else he does sucks. I used to defend him but i can anymore, not after these last 2 games....— Prego614
- That comment by Kolb shows how delusional this team is right now. He must be hanging out with Reid.— Prego614
- That comment by Kolb shows how delusional this team is right now. He must be hanging out with Reid.— Prego614
- That comment by Kolb shows how delusional this team is right now. He must be hanging out with Reid.— Prego614
- Comment removed.
- If I go to the Linc, they're gonna stink. If we still have Reid, I'm gonna get tee'd. Cause watchin' McNabb, is a major drag.— carlosfunk
