EAGLES QB LOOKS TO SILENCE CRITICS

D’Arcy Maine, NFL Draft Bible

What did we learn last week? Never underestimate Donovan McNabb.

After a week filled with intense media-scrutiny for his on and off-field actions, McNabb was in desperate need for a win. And win he did as he led the Eagles to a 56-21 victory over the Lions on Sunday in a phenomenal performance. The Philadelphia quarterback helped deliver touchdowns on all of Philly’s first five possessions.

After poor play in the Eagles first two games- losses to the seemingly-surging Packers and the Redskins- McNabb drew fire from local and national media. Many claimed he had not fully recovered from last year’s season ending injury; others believed the 30-year-old had lost his competitive edge. Regardless of the cause, the tabloids began to swirl last week promising McNabb’s demise in Philadelphia.

The headlines continued after McNabb appeared in a pre-taped interview on HBO where he proclaimed, “there's not that many African-American quarterbacks, so we have to do a little bit extra” and furthered by commenting on the larger amount of criticism black quarterbacks receive compared to their white counterparts.

But McNabb is no stranger to controversy and criticism and he in fact seems to thrive when all else seem to doubt him. Despite his introduction being received by a chorus of boos from the Boo Birds, a focused and determined quarterback emerged on Sunday ready to prove his ability to the world in a dominating fashion associated with only an elite class of the position.

McNabb threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns. And, like a top quarterback should do, he made everyone around him better. Kevin Curtis, the previously rarely-discussed wide receiver had 221 receiving yards and three touchdowns, breaking virtually all of his career-bests. Brian Westbrook, arguably one of the top running backs in the league when he is healthy, had 110 rushing yards, 111 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

The defense, perhaps inspired by the phenomenal play of the offense, proved their worth by making the Lions to go three-and-out on four on their first five possessions. This helped set the tone early, allowing McNabb and the offense dominate.

Every football fan wants their quarterback to succeed, regardless of their race, and the easiest way to quiet disgruntled fans is with a huge victory. But nonetheless don’t discount McNabb’s comments. We don’t live in an equal world and like in most segments of our society, the historically oppressed are more harshly judged, particularly in jobs or positions where they have traditionally not been a part.

But the best way for McNabb to combat criticism and to help the next generation of black quarterbacks is by silencing his critics by winning games and remaining the poised and intelligent athlete he has shown to be. Sunday looked like he was on the right track.

This week’s match-up against their division rivals, the New York Giants, should be a good test for the re-energized Eagles. Westbrook’s status for the game is questionable, but even without their star running back, count on McNabb to make magic happen with the rest of his receivers. This week will prove if last week was merely a fluke or if the Eagles are truly back.

NFL Draft Bible columnist D'Arcy Maine breaks down all the intrigue from around the league each and every week exclusively at 4th & Goal.