Posted: Sunday, November 23, 2008, 4:40 PM | 191 comments |
 

End of McNabb Era
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I don't know yet what Eagles coach Andy Reid is going to say, about Donovan McNabb, about Thanksgiving night, about the future. But it is over. After his halftime benching against the Baltimore Ravens, the McNabb era in Philadelphia is over.

Reid could very well keep his own counsel on this one. He could give it a day before announcing his decision because that is what he does. But we are finished here. McNabb is finished here. After three more turnovers in the first half against the Ravens -- three turnovers, zero points, oh well -- Reid yanked his starting quarterback and replaced him with young Kevin Kolb. And we are done.

After which, the Eagles completely rolled over and lost to the Ravens, 36-7.

Again, we are done. Ten years and over -- just like that. A few weeks ago, this was one of the highest-scoring offenses in the National Football League. Now, this is a group that cannot do anything. Running back Brian Westbrook has no first step, no burst, no nothing at this point because of a lingering ankle sprain. Backup Correll Buckhalter hurt his knee and barely played after the first couple of series. There is no third running back because Reid did not dress Lorenzo Booker. That this is borderline malpractice goes without saying.

But the quarterback was terrible, again. He started off decently but crumbled after a sack/fumble early in the second quarter. Two more interceptions followed, along with a streak of pronounced wildness. And then Reid made the decision that, whatever he says, will be impossible to undo. The Eagles were trailing by only 10-7 but he yanked the franchise.

That Kolb was no better just added to the whole downspiral. He threw two more interceptions, including one that the Ravens' Ed Reed returned 108 yards for a touchdown, an NFL record.

You see, you saw history.

Lots of history.
Posted by Rich Hofmann @ 4:40 PM  Permalink | 191 comments
191
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:34 PM, 11/23/2008
    Well said, Rich, but do you think this is also the end of the Andy Reid era?
    — maximusud
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:37 PM, 11/23/2008
    Might as well do it now. We have to see if we have the second coming of Bobby Hoying or not.
    — EddieV
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:38 PM, 11/23/2008
    I am quite embarrassed to be an Eagles fan. Reid's utter mismanagement of this team that I've supported all my life is just disgusting. Today's game hopefully will highlight his ineptitude enough that a fundamental coaching change will be made. Mr. Lurie, please do not be blind.
    — grales
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:41 PM, 11/23/2008
    Rich, the "franchise" has been abysmal the past few weeks. Actually, so has the organization. Reid is in panic mode. I think even he can see some writing on the wall
    — duffers
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:42 PM, 11/23/2008
    Feels like the beginning of the Kotite years again.
    — phillyjhawk
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:42 PM, 11/23/2008
    Eagles have to move forward. Many young QB's are doing well in the league. Its time for new management. The draft picks have turned out to be avg players. Play calling is terrible. Really, Lurie needs to blow this up.
    — Wise_Owl
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:42 PM, 11/23/2008
    Time to open a rebuilding chapter with firing coach first then Mcnabb. Reid could never recover from the personal problems with his family and McNabb is hearing footsteps.
    — kowboy
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:43 PM, 11/23/2008
    Hard to make a real good assessment about Kolb since he was thrown in there against one of the best defenses in the league. He didn't look good, but the play calling was also terrible.
    — Tim418
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:45 PM, 11/23/2008
    The Eagles era is over. They are a second rate team playing in a tough division and it will take years and plenty of good draft picks to correct this mistake of a franchise.
    — bling
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:47 PM, 11/23/2008
    Could Kolb look any less like an athlete? It looks like he has never spent a second in the gym? His physique looks more like a punters than a QB. Nice definition in those guns dude!! And what's up with the lousy excuse for facial hair?
    — OUTOFTOWN
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:48 PM, 11/23/2008
    I pity the poor defense having to try to make up for the pathetic offense
    — Gold


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About Rich Hofmann
Rich Hofmann arrived at the Daily News in 1980 for a job whose status was officially designated as "full-time, temporary." A senior at Penn at the time, he was hired to fill in on the copy desk during a staff illness. The notion of him covering the Eagles or being a columnist did not exist in anyone's imagination. It was supposed to be six weeks and out, but he never left. It is only one of the reasons why so many people have concerns about him as a potential house guest. Rich has blogged the postseasons of the Flyers and Eagles. E-mail Rich at hofmanr@phillynews.com

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