The Blame Game

I don't care what anyone says. I believe in you D-Mac.

Keep your head up.

Hey D, you're still the man, the real eagle fans are behind you and support you. its amazing how quickly you have come back from your injury and surgery on your knee. Go beat washington on sunday and shut the critics up 7-1 in the 2nd half and we're in the playoffs- get into the post season and we'll see the eagles dominate.

Keep cranking, Donovan. The Saints started 0-4 and now they're .500. The Eagles can get there too and .500 in the NFC might be worth a playoff berth.

I don't know what you really think about it (and I doubt you would speak out about it anyway), but I think this team is in serious need of a coaching change. Reid WAS an amazing coach, but he just hasn't bee the same since the Super Bowl. He used to come to each game with excellent game plans and he doesn't anymore. Some of the things he has failed at are things I knew better and all I did was play some ball growing up, I am not coaching material.

Against the Giants he left you on a limb against a constant successful blitz the whole game when everyone knows that the way to counter an effective blitz is an effective rushing attack (youse guys were averaging over 6 yds on the ground, I believe). If you are successful running, they will be wary of blitzing so much and that will open up the pass. If not, well, you're screwed. The fact that he left you to get sacked 12 times while still coming back from a serious injury was completely moronic and ignorant to you.
Against the Cowboys, he just assumed that because they let up a bit of deep plays that they would do to the same to youse even though every team knows Andy lives by the big pass. Even after seeing 6 DBs every time youse went to 3 receiver sets, he didn't make any good adjustments.

My wife is complaining that she needs to get on the computer so I can't write all that I'd like, but to be short; I think you are still coming back from an injury so people need to stop expecting you to play like your pro-bowl years right away, but also they need to realize the coaching hasn't helped you at all wither. That and there really is only two of the games you've lost that I would put you near the top of the list of players responsible for those losses.

I know you won't comment on it, but I am really curious what you would think of having Bill Parcells as the coach...
Anyways, keep your head up.

Team is just getting old and they are not replacing most of the players with quality. They accused Dallas of being soft. It was obvious to me who the soft team was on Sunday night.

Donovan, as a fan I know it is not all your fault. I also feel that you feel responsible for that is going on with the team. This should be expected of a leader to accept blame for when things go wrong. However, a leader is only as good as his or her followers and vice-versa. I am not there and I do not play the game; however, I know that if you hang in there and not give up or lose focus of the goal you will come through this with success. I know it is hard to read that you should not listen to the critics; however, if you want to move forward you have to hear and not hear. We still believe in this team and support you guys all the way. Fly Eagles Fly!

Donovan,
I just wanted to thank you for everything you've given to the city. Even though you obviously don't know me as I am just a random Eagles fan (season ticket holder though!) amongst millions, I really do admire everything about how you have handled yourself professionally and personally throghout the years. I fully believe that you are one of the top QBs in the game and though I'm guessing the knee isn't 100%, I have faith that you'll be back and better than ever very soon. I feel like so many times you've gotten a raw deal in so many situations, but you've always rose above unwarranted criticism and maintained professionalism that virtually no other person could have endured.
I must admit that I do read the news and listen to WIP and I worry that you may go elsewhere sooner rather than later. And while I know you will hold up that Super Bowl trophy one day, I just hope and pray it's not in another uniform. Please know that while it may not seem to be the case, tons of Eagles fans like me truly treasure what you've brought to this city and support you though thick and thin.
Best Regards,
Robert Riether
Bethlehem, PA

but I think this team is in serious need of a coaching change. Reid WAS an amazing coach, but he just hasn't bee the same since the Super Bowl.

I just wanted to thank you for everything you've given to the city.

I know it is hard to read that you should not listen to the critics; however, if you want to move forward you have to hear and not hear. We still believe in this team and support you guys all the way. Fly Eagles Fly!

ALL EXCELLENT points!!!!!!!! and i agree 110% with the above posters!!!!!!

First off let's start with the draft.They drafted a QB in the first round...if they wanted a offensive weapon it should have been a WR. Kevin Curtis is good but he is nothing but a slot receiver...some one to bail you out of a jam. They could have traded up and got someone like Dwayne Bowe, a big and physical wideout. Now the defensive line has a void and that hasn't been filled. Then they go out and get Takeo Spikes, that move just tells me that someone didn't check his wrap sheet. Bengals...
sorry...Bills....sorry...now Eagles...sorry charlie. The team wouldn't be 3-5 if they didn't exspect you to keep doin the impossible. Keep your head up man. If it doesn't work out I'm sure my Bears could use you

Donovan,
I no this year has been very fustrating for the fans but its got to be even more fustrating for you guys because of all the hard work. I just hope this losing and fustration doesnt want u to leave Philly, cuz if that day ever comes thats goin to be hard...Keep fighting and dont worry we will pull through...

You already know where I am in this situation , All I can say is don't put so much pressure on yourself because SOMEBODY is slowly throwing you under the bus, week after week it will get worse ( real talk) in order to divert attention from thier own lack of focus. We KNOW everyone has thier own cross to bear in order to work your way out of this years season. I got some words for Bus Boy and it's coming soon.
Holla

PFT had an article about it too. They basically took one sentence out of everything you said, and gave it a very negative twist.

The media is just desperate for a story, so they try to make something out of nothing.

God Bless you Donovan. I would hate to have to take some of the abuse you take and expect to sit there and take it with a smile. Especially when everything pans out and the fake people act like that supported you all along. Nevermind that though. They call you SuperFive for a reason. And I got faith in you and the team to get things done. Because after all the team is what is important not us fans or the media. And I know that you guys are fired up and ready to prove all the doubters wrong. You could put that ring on your fingers and show all the haters and doubters what you have earned and deserve! ;)
But I'll keep you in my prayers. Keep your head up! And remember you have fans that are gonna stick with you regardless what happens!

God Bless you Donovan. I would hate to have to take some of the abuse you take and expect to sit there and take it with a smile. Especially when everything pans out and the fake people act like that supported you all along. Nevermind that though. They call you SuperFive for a reason. And I got faith in you and the team to get things done. Because after all the team is what is important not us fans or the media. And I know that you guys are fired up and ready to prove all the doubters wrong. You could put that ring on your fingers and show all the haters and doubters what you have earned and deserve! ;)
But I'll keep you in my prayers. Keep your head up! And remember you have fans that are gonna stick with you regardless what happens!

It is not you, the whole team looks to be lacking.

Aman, my fellow Eagles Fan!!!

Except for where she calls you "the old man", I tend to agree with the Philadelphia Inquirer's Ashley Fox who wrote an article titled "Too soon: Benching McNabb Won't Help" that pretty much sums up some (but not all) of my thoughts on this whole ordeal. There are elements of this team that are missing on both sides of the ball. Not just offense...defense as well, because I must have missed the part where McNabb was out there missing blocks, being shrugged off on tackles like a rag doll, and blowing coverages, leaving the Cowboys receivers and tight ends WIDE THE FREAK OPEN! Point blank, they need to get you AND Westbrook, some help out there! I know you can't just come out and say this in the media, but we fans will say it for you. The Eagles front office needs to quit penny-pinching and using the T.O. fiasco (crazy azz fool) as an excuse for not doing what they need to do to upgrade your supporting cast. You have proven to this city for nearly a decade that you deserve the same opportunities as other high profile quarterbacks. But instead of them doing what needs be done, they want to save a few pennies and heap Superbowl hopes on your legs and some seriously questionable playcalling. And is it just me, or are they content to sit back and allow you to shoulder all the blame when that backfires? Look at the Patriots. They got stunned last year in the AFC Championsonship Game by the Colts, a game they just KNEW they were going to go in there and take on a 4th trip to the SuperBowl. In my best Charlie Murphy impression "WRONG! WRONG!!!" Colts came from behind, snatched victory from them, and went on to win the SuperBowl. What lesson did the Patriots organization learn? They learned to get their QB what he needed to get to the Superbowl again. They went out and did everything they could to upgrade that offense in the offseason to one that nobody has been able to stop. The only difference between Donovan McNabb, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady is willingness of the organization to go out and get what the franchise QB needs in a supporting cast. Now people just play the "Blame McNabb" game because that's just easier to do than admit the truth. The truth is the Eagles need upgrading in quite a few areas (some of which shall remain nameless), but the QB position is not one of them. I will stand by that statement through and through.

AMEN!!!

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Actually you not Not fully to blame but Just one of reasons the Eagles need a new Quarterback. Changing on player like the Quarterback isnt Fully the Answer but it is the Start!! The Eagles screwed up when the let Garcia Go.

The true fans know what's going on D. We know you are not all to blame. There's a LOT going on behind the scenes and you are too classy to air the dirty laundry. And we don't want to get into all that anyway. I will say that I want Reid to step aside ASAP and get his house in order. I mean how can your mind be on football when you are called out like that by a judge? Because if I hear about needing to get the players in better position one more time....*breathe* But then what are the alternatives? Anyway, I don't know whether you'll be around next year. Wouldn't blame you if you weren't. West will probably demand a trade and we'll really be done. But I do know that you will be at the top of your game again after you fully recover. We'll probably miss out. I'll see you on Sunday at Fed Ex. This season has been painful for everyone but I ride or die for this team...losing season or not.

hey 5,
dont get caught up in the hype!
do what u do best,
remembr what Public Enemy said DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE
Go Eagles!!!!

Donovan,
Something that I Iearned and keep in mind everyday, is the theory that God speaks to us through coincidences. I live my life on the beleif that there are no accidents, and there are no coincidences, there is only messages in disguise sent to us by God. I won't go to much into detail, but what I will say is that there are no accidents, and it was not a coincidence that you hurt your knee two days before your birthday, and I hurt my knee two weeks later, one day before my birthday. You have inspired me so much man. Not just by your fearless efforts to recover, but in so many ways over the last almost 9 years. I've looked up to you since you came to Philly when I was 10. I've watched you grow form a young kid, to a grown man. I respect you so much Donovan. I beleive in you and Coach Reid. Whatever happens, I'm gunna stick by you, and I'll never stop beleiving. Just keep in mind, everything happens for a reason. Keep fightin, I know you will.

Media is always playing the quote game... I'm not even upset. Thanks for clearing it up out here in the Yard where it doesn't get edited and spun around. It is always good to hear your side of the story to be sure and not just go off sports talk and speculation.
As far as what's wrong with the team, well, you said everyone has made mistakes. Brian Dawkins also said everyone has to do better, it is a team sport. I don't disagree but I think it is more the system than the team in the sense that it appears the system doesn't fully take advantage of its players. I believe this roster needs more of the 3 headed monster approach to shorten the games and keep the defense fresh. More runs on first downs to make defenses respect the play fake and guess more about the sets and packages even when down by a score or two. Keep running in the redzone like the Minnesota game.
I've seen flashes of things going in the right direction, but also remember that the young players on this team might need that pat on the back or acknowledgment to continue to move forward and build on the positives. Washington looked pretty beatable this past week, get a win there and all the negative talk gets put on pause. Nobody likes to loose games, and at the end of the day it is just a game so don't let all the outside pressures take you out of yours.

3 words Donovan. THROW THE BALL. Some of us (me especially) take shots at Brett Favre for all of the Int's he throws. He now holds the all time Int record. But he also holds the all time TD record....because he THROWS THE BALL. You cant win if you dont play. As a QB in a passing situation...the only way to play is to throw.
Holding the ball for 7 seconds and then taking a sack is just another way of saying its not my fault. The WR's weren't open and the O line didnt do its job...thats BS
You didnt even try.
4 things can happen on a pass play. Complete, Incomplete, Int or pass interference. 3 out of 4 don't lead to negative results. And a deep Int is equal to a punt. So just THROW THE BALL Donovan!

Four words Donovan.........don't fumble the damn ball and the game away. Gotta love it!!!!

Donovan,
I really would love to sit here and say the things the rest of these guys are saying, but I can't. I don't completely agree with them or you. But first, let me lay a few things out. 1- I am a die hard Eagles fan, born and raised in Philly, taught to always bleed green. I am disappointed in you because I know how good you could be, but I am still loyal to you, mostly because you wear the Eagles jersey. 2- I am living in San Francisco, am female, and am constantly challenged to defend my team out here as no one understands the passion of an Eagles fan, especially when it comes from an unassuming 5'3" ballet dancer. I've been trying for a while to justify your actions, but it has gotten tougher in the past few weeks.
With that being said, listen, everyone and their brother can sit here and say it's a team effort, there are more people on the team than just the quarterback, blah blah blah. But let's face it, you are the team's leader. And you have dealt with a lot of crap over the past few years, the least of which was T.O. and his drama. Dude, you are so much better than this but it is obvious on your face and through your half-assed actions on the field (i.e. throwing more than one pass to your receivers' feet!) that you have given up. Maybe you don't even realize it, but you have. I sat through that entire game on Sunday, from kickoff to the bitter end and I never saw any fire in you throughout the whole entire game. Donovan, you were playing the COWBOYS. This is a serious game for Philadelphians. You need to bring it. And maybe you did. Maybe you are right. Maybe you really were giving it your all. But as an experienced Eagles fan, I sure as hell didn't see it. You played an incredible game on a broken ankle, you are capable of so much more than this. But if that truly was your best effort, then maybe it's time for you to move on. I love ya, D, but that was really sad, and extremely tough to watch from here. So I ask of you only this: If you really do love this team like you say you do, PLEASE for the love of God, go back and do something to make this season better. Go above and beyond what you've been doing so far, and be the leader that we expect you to be. We don't need you to win a Super Bowl this year. Just show us some passion and make this a respectable season for the birds. If you really are tired and worn out from an admittedly brutal Eagles fanbase, then please do us all a favor (including yourself) and move on. We'd hate to see you go, but it would be even worse to continue this way. I agree that you may need a better offensive line, better receivers, etc. But come on, man. You used to be able to make magic happen. Do it again!
OK that's all I've got to say. If you ever really read this, I do understand if it pisses you off. But it should. Go prove me wrong and give me a reason to defend you from now on instead of agreeing with all the criticism.
Much love,
Juliette- Eagles fan

Firedancer, you're an idiot. Please stay in San Francisco. " Donovan, you were playing the COWBOYS." Did you ever think that maybe the cowboys are just better at this point in time. It doesn't matter who we're playing, if the team isn't playing well, it can be the cowboys, giants, redskins or whoever, they will play poorly. If the team is not playing well, you expect them to just magically get it together for one week because of the opponent. It doesn;t work like that sweetie. Don't you think the Cowboys and their fans felt the same way when we were whooping their butts every year? But if they weren't as good as us then, you think they were gonna just kick it into 10th gear for one week....PLEASE stop it.
" I agree that you may need a better offensive line, better receivers, etc. But come on, man. You used to be able to make magic happen. Do it again! " Another idiotic statement. He needs all those things but you expect him to make things happen. When he had crappy receivers like Pinkston and Fredex, the defense was very good. That isn't the case now so you can't expect him to make "magic" happen with a worst supporting cast than he had before.
You said all this stuff about McNabb without passion. Guess you didn't see the passion on the scoring drive to put the eagles ahead of the bears, but wait the DEFENSE gave up a 97 yard drive. And you want him to show more passion? Come on now. Andy kept sending out 3wrs against 6 DBS, where was the help against the Giants, did McNabb muff a punt against green bay? Yes McNabb deserves criticism but it is very STUPID to place all the blame on him when the organization has done very little to support him and the team winning. Yes Brady has never had the receivers he had now and was still great, but he also had a great defense and receivers good enough to get the job done and an offensive line that hardly lets him get touched. Where would Peyton be without Harrison, James/Addai, Wayne, Clark and that line? I bet if you asked them, winning depends more than just them.

People see the record 3-5 and are disappointed, but they need to take a closer look. The Eagles have had one of the toughest schedules in the NFC so far this year. In the first 4 weeks, the Eagles played the Packers (7-1), Redskins (5-3), Giants (6-2) and Lions (6-2), all while you were working your way back into the thick of things. I dont think expectations were set right. This has always been a well coached team with great leadership from you. How quickly people forget. I know you guys will come around. Other than the Patriots, the rest of the schedule has some promise. The Eagles could easily go 5-3 or 6-2 down the home stretch. Good luck man and don't let the haters get to you! You the man.

Keep ya head up Big D. To me, I think they should have drafted a cold ass wide receiver instead of that quarterback dude. I can't understand how they let Donte Stallworth get away either. I like Brian Westbrook too, that dude is cold, but I think he needs somebody to help him shoulder the load because he's usually fighting injuries. It just seems like the organization ain't really supplying you with the weapons you need to win.

First of all.
I'm not an NFL QB, so their is no way I can know or understand all of the pressures that you go throught being one.
Second.
You get alot of respect for posting after playing so bad against the Cowboys. You post here, win or lose, after a great game vs Detroit or a bad game against.. yeah teh Cowboys which we all hate. :p.
I saw your press conference and what not, and yeah you take the blame as you should. I don't know if its cause you are injured or if you are too distracted, or if their are far too many things in your head.. but you are not on your top game. Quite frankly, you're not playing like the DMAC we know and expect, who took the Eagles to 3 NFC Championships. I know that you is still in there.. but man how are we gonna get that out.
I'm gonna be honest, at this point I don't see us (I say us like I'm on the team, lol I'm such a fanboy) making the playoffs. Don't give up tho, being a player, you aren't out of it till you are mathematically out of it. Just.. alot of your throws seem to be... way.. way off. And those INTs.. ouch.
Ah well, next year.

Donovan, as soon as the words left your mouth I KNEW you were going to get bombed. I understood. I am without a doubt your biggest fan. And I would LOVE to sit down with you some day and just talk. Personnally, I am surprised you have stuck with Philly as long as you have. From day one you have had nothing but grief. Another, lesser person would have bailed. But you have handled everything with grace and dignity. You have been called too many things to list but there is no need. You know them all. It is such a shame that people don't learn from you and your family. If more people would take responsibilty for their own actions and stick together no matter what, this old world would be so much better.
I also took GREAT offense at the touched up photo on the back of the DAILY NEWS today. (Thurs). That was not only cruel but TOTALLY uncalled for. You can bet your --- that NO ONE ever did anything like that to any other quarterback in any league. I apologize for the stupidity it took for them to even think of printing that picture.
You go, 5. I am with you and I know I am not the only one.
Sue

"Methinks thou dost protest too loudly." Excuse-making and self-preservation comments. This is not the stuff of leadership. Leaders, true leaders, absorb the blame and share the credit. Let others defend you.

Your skills have been a crutch for the organization through the past years, making the playoffs despite having another lead offensive threat not named Westbrook. How does one maneuver himself to play for Chicago, without getting the Kobe treatment?

This season is making it hard to smile man. I live for this team as many do, and I cant take it anymore. We need that intangible force that used to get us wins back.... where did it go? I have faith we can beat washington and miami to get to 5-5, but then we have the pats. Nothing gives. We'd at best be 5-6 in three weeks with games against Dallas, NYG, and the Saints still to come. I hope we can do this man, I still believe.... we were 5-6 last year too....

Donovan...you were just dropped in my fantasy league...and trust me, I jumped to pick you up. As a Giants fan, I have the utmost respect for your ability to take over a game. The Eagles woudn't be the same without you.

hi Five,
i truly believe in you, and to say that you don't take responsiblity is absolutely ludicrous. you are an inspiration to many. As far as the Dallas game, i guess you didn't cover TO and left him wide open for a TD. i guess you didn't cover the RBs who gave Romo and out when he needed it. are you supposed to play both ways?. in my estimation, the D bought this one. i hope you have a thick enough skin to last in Philly and be an eagle until you retire. either way, i;ll be a fan forever. Keep you head up, be yourself and god takes care of those who deserve which is you. Stay strong.

I love you Don. Keep your head up and don't let the naysayers break your spirit. I feel you are the fall guy for the messed up team. They are going to blame you as opposed to the real people (Reid, Johnson, & Lurie). I will forever be a fan of yours wherever you may go and believe me, I will be laughing with you when you get that super bowl ring. Stay strong black man.

Well if Donovan's the fall guy it's because everybody feels bad for Andy because of what's happening in his personal life. Andy has taken most of the heat in the past, moreso than Donovan. Donovan wants to win for Andy Reid and that is just one reason why there's no way that Donovan Mc Nabb is not going to be on the bench. Can't you see how close these two are? Andy built this offense around Donovan. This is an era of Eagles football were talking about, and there's a lot of pride involved in playing this game.

my bad, I meant that Donovan WILL NOT BE ON THE BENCH. sorry bout that.

donovan..you're the QB of our team. nobody could ever compare. nobody has my heart on this eagles team as much as you have mine. show us what you can do cuz we've seen it before. tear it up out there and prove everyone wrong. WE LOVE YOU IN PHILLY!!!!!

He's tearing up the Eagles today with that fumble on the sack.

Love you Donnie Mac - do what you do and and success will follow!