Can McNabb throw for 4,000 yards?
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Can McNabb throw for 4,000 yards?
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Donovan McNabb set a career high last year by throwing for 3,916 yards.
His previous top mark came in 2004 during the Eagles' Super Bowl run when McNabb threw for 3,875 yards.
The question we pose this morning is: Can he throw for 4,000 yards in 2009?
Former quarterback Trent Green brought the issue up while filling in for SI.com's Monday Morning Quarterback Peter King this week. Green predicted that at least 10 QBs would reach the 4,000-yard mark this season.
His guarantees: Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers.
Others that have the potential, according to Green: Jay Cutler, Matt Cassel, Carson Palmer, Matt Schaub, McNabb, Tony Romo and Matt Hasselbeck.
Last year, six QBs hit the 4,000-yard mark: Brees, Warner, Cutler, Rodgers, Rivers and Manning.
Green's prediction of 10 QBs throwing for 4,000 yards would be a new milestone. I went back and looked at his projection compared to the last 19 years (going back to 1990). The high-mark for quarterbacks hitting 4,000 yards was 2007 when seven did it.
Second was last season with six. And third was 2004 with five.
In the decade from 1990-99, the feat was accomplished 22 times.
In this decade, with one year left, it has been done 36 times.
As for McNabb, the tools he has to work with are improved, from the offensive line to Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy and so on. Of course, much depends on injuries, not only to McNabb, but to the rest of the offense. Had he not been benched against the Ravens last season, he could very well have a 4,000-yard season under his belt.
Another factor could be that some believe Andy Reid will display a new dedication to the running game, given the offseason acquisitions.
Those same people also probably believe in the Tooth Fairy.
If McNabb is healthy for 16 games, he has a great chance to hit the 4,000-yard mark.
What do you think? Vote in the poll above, and sound off in the comments below.
Can he throw for 4000 yards - Yes. Will he - I hope not. If the birds are going to win it all they must have some amount of ball control and smash mouth. They should be able to grind the clock and keep the ball out of the opposing offensive's hands. They must have more balance. They need a reliable, explosive, and deadly passing attack. That is necessary, but not sufficient to be champions.— BIGEGLFAN- Hey Bill1966: There should be an ? under your post. I know fanatics like you can't handle facts, but if "most" of his passes were "dinks and dunks", he wouldn't have accumulated enough yards to get first downs, and thus be unable to reach 3900 yds last year. You must not be an Eagles enthusiast...— PhillyHouse JayDuce
- I don't care. To me, 4,000+ yards passing for McNabb = another mediocre less than 10 win season. I'd rather see 200 yard passing games and 4th quarters running out the clock.— jtj06
- Considering the number of times Reid calls a pass play, I am perplexed as to why mcnabb hasnt thrown for 4,000 yards already. I would like to know who is going to play safety on this team opposite Quinten Mikell? Will we see more two back sets with Weaver involved? And someone please tell Andy Reid to lose 75 pounds. His weight is awful, doesnt he eat a cake for breakfast each day. Looks like a slob and Im sure his family is worried about him.— TimeforChange
- He probably will but who cares.....Dan Marino had great stats but no ring and hopefully Donovan won't be another Marino....after all if Andy does his job right in calling plays, surrounding him with talent, and drafting good players not just bodies, the only thing that counts will be a win in the SB— nuggett
- Yes, if they count the interception return yardage.— Joe Funk
Comment removed.- Woogie: You are an idiot! The Eagles have one of the hardest schedule this year. Check the schedule! and "Bill1966" Dinks and Dunks? Come on, the guy probably has the biggest arm in the NFL. DJack would tell you that most of the passes he caught last year were not from dink and dunk throws.BIGEGLFAN: You said it best, so there is no need for me to repeat.— Bigbadrookie
- This stat doesn't matter a great deal in the overall stretch of a season. But to play along, yes, if he and all (or most) of the receivers stay healthy I don't see a problem there. I believe they will stretch the field more this season than the have recently, so it's deffinitely doable, doesn't matter a whole lot but doable!!!— DJ
- he can throw for 4000 but I hope we run the ball enough so that he doens't have to. I still say wen need another RB. McCoy at best that we cna hope for will do the same things #36 does. Who can we hand the ball to on 3rd and 3 to salt away game? Is Larry Johnson available?— Eagles Phan in LI
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- Who cares about 4,000 yards? Can he throw us to a Super Bowl victory? Going on 11 years and I'm still waiting...and waiting...and waiting.— billro3
- dmac isnt even the key 2 the eagles winning the SB we know hes gonna show up n every game. the key is the D n the clutch. wen mcnabb has the team up with 6 min or less left n the game will the D b able 2 shut the door on teams so all the OFF has 2 do is kneel 4 the win.can he throw 4 4000 yrds. yes. will he i dont know cuz i know winning the SB is 1st. i mean he has money so if he would only throw 4 2000 yrds and win the SB im sure he would take it.— philly sports
- Um, if that's what it takes to win a superbowl...— disgruntled fan
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