Donovan has Flown the Coop

I should probably start by mentioning that I like to disassociate myself from the stereotypical example of the classic arrogant, loudmouth Philadelphia sports fan who loves to find lame excuses after a loss, runs his/her mouth incessantly without really possessing much of an intricate knowledge about the sport or players they profess to adore, and generally likes to start shit at the drop of a hat.

We all know that this is not representative of all Philadelphia sports fans. But the ones who don’t act like animals are too busy not acting like animals and caring about other stuff in life to possess a voice loud enough to counter the overbearing yell of the ‘loudmouths.’

This is how the actions and words of the negative few can create a scenario in which an entire fan base earns a reputation that is in no way indicative of the general overall group.

And this is why the departure of longtime Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb from the organization has been such a hot-button discussion topic over the past week since the news was announced.

McNabb, along with head coach Andy Reid, have been the whipping post through which all dissatisfied Eagles fans have expressed their frustration over the past 10 years, many (half – exactly) of which have resulted in advancing at least as far as the NFC Championship game, but sadly, rarely further. Except for the 2004-05 season, in which the Eagles lost the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots.

Also, most people realize it’s clear that primarily blaming one or two individuals for any type of failure in a team sport is also pretty damn stupid.

But like it or not, the head coach and the QB are the most visible and often vital components of a football team. These are the guys leading the way. And if a group doesn’t have a leader, then who’s taking charge during the rough patches and providing a presence of general guidance through the ups and downs of the season?

Now, I’ve been saying for quite some time, ironically agreeing with most of the ‘loudmouths’ and taking the opposing viewpoint of most practical, level-headed Eagles fans, that there has needed to be some sort of change or ‘shake-up’ in the whole Reid-as-coach, McNabb-as-QB setup. This isn’t to denigrate McNabb’s skills, which are considerable, or that of Reid’s (I almost can’t type that last part with a straight face).

But for anyone that has been a fan of this team or paid attention to it during the Reid-McNabb era, it’s become fairly evident that there’s something about the current regime that doesn’t feel like a Super Bowl winner. Yes, it is hard to overlook or completely turn away from the division titles, multiple NFC Championship game appearances and one Super Bowl appearance. However, it’s also easy to see how the fans get to feel like a carrot is being dangled in front of them every year and then promptly snatched away at the last second. Let’s not forget, Philly sports fans aren’t the most sympathetic or patient bunch to begin with.

The Phillies’ 2008 World Series and 2009 WS runner-up status has bought some good grace amongst the fans, but what the city truly craves is some football hardware. They want Philadelphia’s first Super Bowl trophy, and they feel like it should be there by now.

Unfortunately though, the thing about chemistry is that it’s impossible to predict it or bring it about intentionally. Through following sports for years, I’ve seen a lot of championship teams at the pro, collegiate and even high-school levels (the latter through having at one time been a sportswriter). And that un-definable chemistry is always there somewhere. You don’t know how it got there, but you know it when you see it. And if a team doesn’t have it – good luck.

Clearly, none of the Reid/McNabb-led Eagles teams has ever quite had that ‘chemistry’ factor in strong enough presence to produce a championship. You can only keep getting the same undesired result so many times before it makes sense to try something different.

While not knowing the exact circumstances that led to McNabb’s departure, I’d like to be cautiously optimistic that a change might re-energize the team’s current dynamic. Having said that, if I could have chosen I would have much rather seen Reid – along with his blank-stare, unbelievable late-game clock mismanagement and overall lack of enthusiasm for anything not fried-food related – hit the road instead of McNabb.

Not to mention that the Eagles didn’t seem to get the best return-on-investment for one of their most prized commodities. An additional second-round draft pick this year plus a third or fourth-round pick in 2011 isn’t exactly an outstanding ‘get’ for the Birds considering they lost the longtime engineer of their offense, inconsistent though he was at times. Oh yeah, and then there’s that issue of the now uncertain future at the QB position in Philadelphia. Kevin Kolb is next in line. He’s shown promise at times as more of a pure drop-back type of passer and a seemingly acceptable game manager, but nevertheless, kind of a frightening thought. Maybe the team will scoop up a promising young QB in a couple weeks at the 2010 NFL Draft.

One thing I do know – it will be a riveting 2010 season, especially in the NFC East now that McNabb will be wearing a Redskins uni, no matter what happens.

Another thing I think I can predict – even though it won’t be deserved for the guy who’s worked so hard for the Eagles over the past decade, the boo birds will be out in full force when McNabb and Washington visit Philadelphia this coming season.