Athletes fear replacement. Wally Pip took a day off and Lou Gehrig trotted out to first base for over 2000 games. Drew Bledsoe went down with an injury and Tom Brady helped the Patriots to three Super Bowls. The fear of becoming redundant isn’t confined to athletics but it’s ever present.
The Philadelphia Eagles are advancing to the second round of the playoffs behind the right arm of Jeff Garcia. The casual fan will note the absence of two words: Donovan McNabb. The Mr. Everything for the Eagles is on the sideline and has been during the Eagles impromptu run to the playoffs. No one, especially McNabb, thought it was possible Philadelphia could reach this stage without Wilma’s son.
Strictly speaking, Jeff Garcia isn’t a replacement for McNabb. He’s filling in while McNabb rehabilitates. Therefore it’s unfair to assume this is a Wally Pip/Drew Bledsoe situation. Yet, in the long-term it will have an effect on how Philadelphia looks at their ability to win football games. In short, it’s no longer all about McNabb.
Brian Westbrook runs the ball more effectively and the team looks rejuvenated. More importantly, the franchise realizes — as do the fans — life after McNabb won’t be horrific. Solid drafting, free agent pickups, and steady coaching will keep the Eagles at or near the top of the NFC with or without McNabb.
Perhaps most telling will be the effect on McNabb. During the Giants game on Sunday, Jeff Garcia asked McNabb to hand over pictures of the defense. Garcia, the starter, shouldn’t have to ask and McNabb, not active, should offer support but understand he’s not the man right now. It seems Donovan, and his mother, understand the fickle nature of fans. Going from hero to goat is a fast process.
The 2007 season will be interesting for McNabb. He’ll have a monster year throwing the ball if he stays healthy but anything short of a legitimate Super Bowl run will cause Philly fans to compare him to Garcia. McNabb is now looking at a situation foreign to him. Namely, someone guided his team to the playoffs.
Editor's note: "The Critical Commentary" will continue its daily presence this weekend.
Article comments
1 - RJ Elliott
"Donovan McNabb is overrated" - Rush Limbaugh, 2003
2 - The Theory
Agreed. I was talking with a friend today? Yesterday? and mentioned how if Garcia would guide the team to the Super Bowl (though without Lito Shepherd it will be hard), Philly fans may not want to see McNabb next season... especially if McNabb comes out and struggles for a game or two.
Man. As much as I love Philadelphia sports (Phillies, Eagles) I have a deep hatred for most of our fans.
3 - Kathy Ruffner
Donovan McNabb is above such things as this - and he is the leader of the Eagles. The manner in which he conducted himself during the whole T.O. nightmare should be enough to show fans and critics alike the strength and credibility of his nature. I'm very happy with Jeff Garcia as the backup quarterback on the team, and he's doing a great job. However, my loyalties lie with McNabb - he's one of the great players of our generation.