Gonzo: Readers weigh in on McNabb

While hoping the Donovan McNabb situation is resolved soon, it's time to empty out the mailbag:

Whatever happened to the five-year plan?  Have the Eagles given themselves an extension without notifying us? Heard a great point last week: How can they go into 2011 without knowing if Kevin Kolb can play? Will they just extend him and hope he is the answer?

Colin,

If the Eagles gave themselves an extension (re: five-year plan) without notifying us, it shouldn't surprise you. They're not exactly a full-disclosure organization. Or maybe Andy Reid revealed the news but covered it with a throat clear and you missed it. Pay better attention next time.

Finding out what they have (or don't have) in Kolb is the biggest reason it's time to move McNabb. Unless something crazy and unexpected happens - and the Eagles don't really do crazy or unexpected - McNabb won't be wearing a Birds uniform for the 2011 season whether they bring him back to start the 2010 campaign or not. If the Eagles want Kolb to be his successor, and it appears that they do, bringing McNabb back for another year would mean implementing the head-scratching plan you mentioned: signing Kolb to another deal without knowing if he's ready to be the full-time guy.

If the Birds trade McNabb now, they receive compensation and buy time to give Kolb a proper tryout. If the Birds don't trade McNabb, he walks anyway after the season and they move forward not knowing all that much about Kolb. Seems like a pretty clear decision.

If the Birds could somehow package both McNabb AND Reid in a draft day deal, that's the only way this team will move forward. If people are tired of the same ole, same ole in McNabb, shouldn't that include Reid?

Donald,

I like the way you think. You should run this past the commissioner. Let me know how it goes.

Part of the reason I'm prepared for McNabb to move on - even though he's had a good career in Philly, one I'm thankful for as a fan - is that we've seen the same thing from him and the Eagles for 11 years: They play well enough to make the playoffs, fall short of achieving the ultimate goal, and then sink the town into an off-season funk that doesn't lift until training camp opens, if then. I'm tired. Time to try something new.

I've written it in this space before, but it obviously warrants repeating: If I had to keep one, I'd rather retain McNabb. The problems with the organization - throat clear, grumble, cough - are both literally and figuratively bigger than McNabb, but since Reid is definitely sticking around, that leaves only one option if we're ready to break up the (Not So) Dynamic Duo.

The team that signed Michael Vick "doesn't take risks"?  How 'bout signing that skier to return kicks?  That wasn't a gamble?

Matt

They cut the skier (Jeremy Bloom) before he played even a single down in the regular season. Vick was a risk, true, but he also hasn't worked out. But both were deviations from the team's general way of doing things, which is to release older players, stay young, stay under the cap, and not take too many chances. On the whole, the organization's ledger is weighted heavily to the safe side.

Once again the Gold Standard, with the Best Roster in the NFL, has the Pedal to the Medal going nowhere.

BR,

You can't rush these things. What's 11 years between friends?

I agree with you. I hate Duke. And I enjoyed the Conan O'Brien sketch with Mrs. Met in bed with the Phillie Phanatic.

Elinda

Duke is a lot like brussels sprouts or Page 2: You rarely meet someone who's indifferent. It's love or hate. I've been on the Duke hate side for a while now. It's comfortable over here. I've worked myself into a nice rut, and I doubt I'll get out of it anytime soon.

I've also acquired a real taste for brussels sprouts (properly prepared), though I'm not so sure about Page 2 or the fellow who writes for it.

Yeah, me too.  I do hate Duke basketball.  They're masterfully coached by an Olympic gold medalist, they graduate over 90 percent, they're smart, articulate, and ethical, and they win-win-win basketball games.  Loathsome stuff.  Nuttin' I can see to like. 

Tom,

Much like Peter Parker, my Sarcasm Sense is tingling. For shame. Sports Wit' doesn't go in for that sort of thing. Around here, we're always sincere and earnest. We also dig everything written in the comment section on Philly.com and find the French pleasant and delightful.

I guess we can forgive Chase [Utley] now that the VP has joined the [cursing] club, eh?

Ron,

Indeed. After Joe Biden's slip-up, I received several e-mails from pious parents complaining that the Veep set a bad example for children. Meanwhile, packs of kids are out flash mobbing all over town.

Note to moms and dads: Next time Biden storms South Street with a crew of sexagenarians, send word. Otherwise, don't wake me.