McNabb gives Owens warm reception

This article was originally published in the Inquirer on March 17, 2004.

Donovan McNabb made his plea in January. The Eagles, he said, needed to add "playmakers on both sides of the ball" if they were to get over the NFC championship game hump and reach the Super Bowl.
Defensive end Jevon Kearse? Check.

Wide receiver Terrell Owens? Double check.

"This reminds me of when we signed [tackle] Jon Runyan," McNabb said shortly after Owens was introduced as the newest member of the Eagles. "He brought an attitude and an aggressive approach that did wonders for the whole offensive line. We've added a guy with a lot of intensity, a guy who, each game, treats it like it's his last. "

McNabb spoke to reporters through a badly distorted speakerphone, but his enthusiasm was clear enough. He called the line once and pretended to be a fan, assuming a phony voice and fooling PR man Rich Burg into hanging up on him.

"This shows the dedication of the guys in the organization," McNabb said after calling back. "Andy Reid, Joe Banner, Jeff Lurie, Tom Heckert - those guys are grinding, trying to find the missing piece. It's tough when you lose three NFC championship games, back to back to back. "

McNabb stopped just short of saying that Owens was the No. 1 receiver the team has lacked in his five seasons at quarterback. Ever the diplomat, McNabb didn't want to insult his other receivers.

Still, you could hear the excitement in his voice.

"Look all across the league," he said. "Everyone has a comfortable receiver. Peyton Manning has Marvin Harrison. Rich Gannon has Jerry Rice. There's that guy you know is there when it's third and 6 or fourth and 5 or whatever.

"If you ask whether I wish I had Marvin Harrison, I had Marvin Harrison in college. Ask if I would like to have Kevin Johnson, I had Kevin Johnson in college. Now I have Terrell Owens and Todd Pinkston and L.J. Smith and Freddie Mitchell. "

Owens said he felt he developed a rapport with McNabb during their joint Pro Bowl appearances the last few years. This year, with Owens on the cusp of free agency, talk turned toward his coming here.

"But it was more me lobbying to come here than [McNabb] lobbying me," Owens said.

Nevertheless, McNabb made it clear he wanted more firepower, and now he has it. And yes, he knows that Owens also has been something of a firebrand, criticizing 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia, coaches and other teammates.

"I want a guy that wants the ball," McNabb said, "who will pump everybody up. A little attitude is good. I don't mind a guy in the huddle saying 'I was open; look for me next time. '

"He'll be welcomed with open arms. This is good for the team, for the offense, for the whole organization. "

McNabb said he would try to start working on his timing with Owens as soon as possible.

"Maybe we can work out in a room at his house," McNabb said. "I've seen his house on [MTV's] Cribs. He has room. "