The Triangle

Issue date: 10/12/07 Section: Sports

Donovan McNabb has led the Eagles to inprecedented success, but he has never had full support from the Philadelphia media and fans.

The Eagles' bye week couldn't have come at a better time. September 30, the Birds were embarrassed by the Giants 16-3 in front of a national audience. After a game where Donovan McNabb is sacked 12 times, there's usually a big uproar in the city with the usual cries about getting rid of Donovan, Andy Reid or both. Yet, that same Sunday, the Philadelphia Phillies clinched their first playoff appearance since 1993. While the heat was on the Birds on Monday, most of the week the attention got shifted to the rise and eventual demise of the Phils.
Somewhat quietly, the Eagles sit in last place in the NFC East heading into their week six match up with the Jets. At the top of the division sits the Dallas Cowboys (5-0), who face the New England Patriots (5-0) in a match up of NFL powerhouses. The high profile of the Dallas game, combined with the return of injured players like Lito Sheppard and L.J. Smith, the disaster that is the 2007 New York Jets and the Eagles' 8-0 record under Andy Reid after bye weeks has them poised to make a run.
Although the Eagles have bounced back from slow starts to make decent playoff runs in the past, this year has a different feel to it. Even last year, the Eagles started 5-6 before winning five in a row, plus their wild-card match up against the Giants before losing to the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional Round. They were led on that run by backup quarterback Jeff Garcia, who had the full support of the fans.
This year, like seasons past, Donovan has not had the full support of the fans. Many have criticized his play even though: A.) He's not a year removed from major knee surgery, which limits his mobility, B.) His coach refuses to run the ball, even though they are averaging 4.8 yards per carry, the third highest average in the league. (In fact, the Eagles have the fifth fewest carries in the league so far, although, none of the teams who have carried the ball fewer times are averaging over 4.0 yards per carry). C.) He still doesn't have any major weapons to throw to and D.) His numbers are still on par with what he has done throughout his career.
Believe it or not, Donovan has thrown only 1 INT in 136 attempts this season. He's on pace for a 3,600 yard, 20 TD, 4 INT season, yet he's still criticized for poor play.

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