Don't call it a Comeback

by Scott Simone

Donovan McNabb has had a roller-coaster ride of a career in 12 NFL seasons. It has seen its high points like leading the Philadelphia Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX, but, it has also seen its lows, like fans calling for him to be replaced to being called out and ignored by then-teammate Terrell Owens.

The Eagles traded McNabb to the Washington Redskins, a division foe, for a couple of picks (the Eagles received the 37th overall pick in this April’s draft and either a third or fourth round pick next year) after 11 seasons at the helm of the Eagles’ offense.

(The Redskins' hot start has the Eagles kicking themselves.)

After the first five weeks of the NFL season, the Redskins are 3-2 with McNabb and look like a revitalized franchise. To put it in perspective, the ‘Skins only need one more win to equal their win total for last season. Yes, they were that bad.

Last season, the Redskins ranked 16th overall (out of 32 teams) in passing, throwing for 3,490 yards on the season (218/game). Even worse, they ranked 26th overall in points scored with 16.6 points per game.

(McNabb has been to six Pro Bowls.)

Compare that to this season. In just five games, McNabb completed 96 passes for 1315 yards, and four touchdowns. The ‘Skins rank seventh in passing yards this season. McNabb also has 91 yards on the ground, which isn’t too shabby for a 33-year-old QB.

McNabb looks rejuvenated this year in Washington. He’s throwing the ball like he has throughout his entire career. But no one is calling for his job and his leadership and experience give the Redskins an identity. They are no longer laughed at, but are actually a serious threat every week.

(McNabb is the all-time touchdowns leader for the Eagles franchise.)

But McNabb is used to this. He seems to have the bull’s-eye on his back every year, and every time, he seems to deliver. Even though the Eagles thought he was done and ushered in the Kevin Kolb/Michael Vick-era, McNabb is just starting another uphill climb on his roller-coaster of a career.