Defending McNabb; LT a fit for Eagles?
Rounding up some links: Would LaDainian Tomlinson be a good fit for the Eagles? And what do national media types think about the Birds' QB situation?
Defending McNabb; LT a fit for Eagles?
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
A few quick links to pass along:
* As you know by now, the Chargers have released LaDainian Tomlinson.
So the obvious question is: Where will he end up?
Tomlinson told SI.com's Jim Trotter he has a couple of requirements at this point in his career. He wants to be on a team that can contend, and a team that has a proven quarterback.
"I do know that I would have to go to a team that has a [proven] quarterback," Tomlinson said. "A place where you know you have a chance to win because of the quarterback."
Tomlinson did not mention specific teams, but Trotter listed the Eagles, Patriots and Packers in his report as teams that could potentially be fits.
Personally, I don't see how bringing Tomlinson aboard would make sense for the Birds. His yards per carry dipped to 3.3 last season, and he turns 31 in June. Have we heard anyone make the argument that he has anything left?
But if you wanted to make the case for such a move, it would have to involve them cutting Brian Westbrook and then bringing Tomlinson on board as a mentor for LeSean McCoy in a red-zone/backup role. He did score 12 touchdowns last season.
Again, I'm not really seeing it.
* Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com tells Eagles fans to relax. Donovan McNabb should be the QB in 2010:
McNabb deserves another year. Kolb can wait. And I think McNabb will get it, considering Reid has said as much twice already. Live with it, Eagles fans. Reid isn't going anywhere and McNabb will almost certainly be your quarterback next season. Is that really a bad thing? I can hear your responses from here: Eat #@&^X&, Prisco. That's why I love Eagles fans.
* Gwen Knapp of CBSSports.com would agree with Prisco, saying the Eagles would be foolish to deal McNabb:
The Eagles, however, have developed a near-fetish for shedding players as they head toward the periphery of their prime, and the patience-challenged Philadelphia fans don't know how good they have it with McNabb. They don't remember what it's like to dwell in quarterback purgatory, watching an Alex Smith, David Carr, Joey Harrington or JaMarcus Russell flounder for years. The Eagles already have the most important element of a successful team. They have a rock where at least a dozen clubs have a crater.
* Vic Carucci of NFL.com takes a look at how the Eagles' quarterback decisions could have a domino effect on the rest of the league:
It's hardly an exaggeration to say that how the Eagles address their Donovan McNabb/Kevin Kolb/Michael Vick quarterback glut is among the league's most anticipated decisions of the offseason. To what extent they do so is anyone's guess, but it's reasonable to assume that there will be movement of some kind. Such movement could quite possibly bring dramatic change to another team's fortunes while even affecting the competitive balance of one or more divisions.
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LT is finished. Besides, the unsaid thing on ESPN and NBC is what a "great guy" Tomlinson is. Really? Every time he is pulled froma game he sulks on the bench like a child. Remember his implosion when they lost to NE? His game is shot and he acts like a whiner. Let the Redskins sign him— mcat13- Really hope McNabb stays. He is a proven QB who can win.— libertyof76
Bamm, I'm saying sign him and use him. Nothing wrong with sharing the load among 3 backs. Add that to the fact that Weaver is not signed for next year and Westy makes too much to be a back up and Taylor may be a good fit. McCoy is only sure bet to be on team at this point.— tpizza- Trade McNabb and release Westbrook. No to LT, keep Vick as a backup.— jss31
- wouldn't warrick dunn be a better fit here than LT??,....less wear and tear on the body, just as good holding on to the rock, better out of the back field,....and would be somewhat cheaper......who's the better blocker and picking up the blitz-...we're still with mcnabb here and we need to hide his deficiencies.....— SyddBarrett
- Forget LT....Per ESPN...Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers will not be given the franchise tag. Peppers will be one of the highest-profile free agents since Reggie White...... We need Peppers!— ssaun
- Foget LT...The Eagles need to sign Julius Peppers! Per ESPN he will not be given the franchise tag, a team source said Monday night. Peppers will be one of the highest-profile free agents since Reggie White. one of the highest-profile free agents since Reggie White.— ssaun
- Reggie White never disappeared during games the way Peppers does. He is on the downside of 30, makes/wants too much $$ and simply isn't worth it. Carolina fans have a McNabb-like relationship with him and want him gone.— tpizza
- LT is not a fit. Same guy as B west maybe worse. Did anyone notice the saints are not going to franchise sharper? If he hits free agency get him. Solves our safety issue for the year. Maybe he can help Macho along and also maybe we could get safety in 3 rd round or so to develope under Sharper. This way we could get lb's, DE, or OL in first 2 rounds. Just a thought. Sharper may just be resigning with New Orleans. Any thoughts?— mikecal36
Comment removed.- Gee, the whole idea of LaDanian Tomlinson performing pass blocking for McNabb give me chills ....In what Alternate Universe will Any Reid utilize a rusher of LT's ability.— Smashmouth
- tpizza....I like Taylor. He's a bruiser-type back with good hands. If the price is right, get him and use him. Bwest needs to retire with his sanity intact.....one more head blow and he'll regret it for the rest of his life. It's not worth it.— philly449
- We have given McNabb AND Reid a chance, year after year for eleven years. If you think McNabb hasn't failed, then Reid has failed. One more thing. Eagles went into the last game of the season seeded number two in the NFC behind New Orleans. Dallas 24 Eagles 0. There is absolutely no excuse for that score. This is an obvious failure of Reids coaching and McNabb's erratic play. Eleven years is enough. If traded, McNabb will lose the starting job on the next team because his new coach won't hesitate to replace him.— marioP
- Shady McCoy did OK as a rookie in 2009. Eagles really lacked BIG PLAY impact at RB position that Brian Westbrook provided. McCoy may develop or he may do 2009 all over again. Weaver + McCoy still doesn't equal a young, healthy Westbrook. Eagles DO NEED TO UPGRADE RUNNINGBACK. Chester Taylor is a better fit--let him compete with Shady for starter role.— Smashmouth
- Comment removed.
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