What's Eating Donovan McNabb?

By Glenn Minnis

Donovan McNabb simply won't take the bait. They'll be no uncensored railings against the machine that is management over just how it is men savvy enough to rule the NFL universe can come to make such a mockery out of the seemingly remedial task of paying just a bit of homage to the one man who has most made all their fortunes so vast.

Only four quarterbacks before him have ventured where McNabb has routinely taken Philly in leading the team to an staggering four consecutive conference title games. His .663 winning percentage leads all active QBs with at least 95 starts and his seven playoff wins far surpass the career numbers of any other Eagle slinger. And yet, he remains most clearly distinguished only as a classic example of the franchise's rather harsh 'what have you done for me lately' brand of thinking.

The oft mounted acts of disrespect have conspired just enough to tell us this. And still you need further proof? Consider that as a reward for pushing himself beyond the limits most mortals find humanly possible in hopes of rehabbing his surgically repaired knee in time for the start of training camp this season, the five-time Pro Bowler was promptly asked to meet, greet and humbly began to groom the man brought forth to take his job.

Still, all things considered, the drafting of Kevin Kolb is but a soft toss among the many darts aimed by management and others to pierce McNabb's psyche. Who among us will ever forget the draft day verbal beatdown he took at the hands of then Mayor Ed Rendell? Cruel and unusual punishment, you think? Without question, until you compare it a few seasons later with the drama of having management all but base your entire legacy as a winner with your ability to connect with the ever elusive Terrell Owens.

Those are the scenarios the leaders of Philadelphia have consistently posed for Donovan McNabb. And somehow, he still rises. Rises to pronounce himself “not upset” by all the trespassing against him. Rises to commander a locker room that all his teammates still clearly articulate to be his.

Not let's be clear here, management would be totally remiss not to prepare the team for the time when McNabb can no longer excel as he always has. But why hasten the moment? Why flood the proverbial media pipeline with news his latest injury all but assures his certain demise even before you've given him a chance to access all the damage?

Has not all Donovan McNabb's against all-odds feats- earned the benefit of any such doubt? Should not a man's merits be based solely on his deeds? These are questions others harbor, even if Donovan McNabb, himself, shies away from posing them. What is it about him that makes him so unacceptable no matter what it is he does?

These are questions only Philly management can answer. And being the shrewd, worldly leaders that they are, I for one can't wait to hear their answers.

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