Donovan and Banner Swap Soft Right Hooks

Share

I think it is safe to assume Donovan McNabb was not all that happy when Donte’ Stallworth went north to catch passes for the Patriots. Donte’s departure left Donovan with Reggie Brown as the only current high caliber receiver in the Eagles arsenal. Also worth noting about Brown, in his two seasons with the Birds he has had number 81 and 18 lining up on the other side of the ball. Could Hank Baskett turn into a to level wideout? Sure it’s possible, but it’d be hoping for a whole lot from an undrafted player.

Let’s take a look at the events over the past few days. At a benefit on Wednesday, Donovan spoke his mind and did the unthinkable. Donovan criticized the Eagles.

The signing of Curtis satisfies a plea made by Donovan McNabb at an Autism benefit Wednesday night after the franchise quarterback was asked about losing his top deep threat Stallworth to the Patriots. "I'm just looking for some help that will stay longer than two years," McNabb said. "You look at quarterbacks throughout the league who have had the opportunity to work with the same receivers year after year. I have not had that ability.

"So, we've been just kind of going in and out with different receivers and having some success, but I am looking forward to hopefully getting somebody I can work with for years to come."

Some interesting words. It’s likely just a coincidence that the Birds had Curtis signed the following day. Adding to the uncomfortable atmosphere around the team, Joe Banner felt the need to call out the franchise QB – as if enough people don’t do that already. He basically called McNabb misinformed.

But Banner said the quarterback was not looking at facts. The reigning Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts have had essentially the same receiving corps throughout their run of success with Peyton Manning, but Banner said the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have had success in recent years with changing casts at wide receiver.

''There really isn't a basis there for talking about the continuity [with regards] to receivers,'' said Banner, who also cited statistics that he said show the Eagles have ranked No. 1 among the NFL's 32 teams at retaining players in recent seasons.

Donovan McNabb is the one throwing passes. I think Donovan knows the value of building lasting relationships with his receivers.  Banner calling out McNabb for asking for some receivers he can get to know inside and out is typical of the poor relationship Eagles management seems to have with the players and fans. The Eagles brass can talk all they want and rationalize the hell out of every move they make. It could all be completely accurate, but until we get a Super Bowl in Philadelphia, the fans won’t want to hear it.

>>Podcast of Banner's Interview on WIP [610 WIP]

Contact Us