Ravens' win may mark end of an era for Eagles
The longest touchdown interception return in NFL history marked the intersection of two NFL franchises headed in opposite directions.
Ed Reed's 108-yard interception return in the fourth quarter that gave the Ravens a 28-7 lead over the Eagles yesterday and closed the door on Philadelphia's comeback attempt was the play that sealed Baltimore's win and kept them in the AFC playoff hunt at 7-4. The final was 36-7.
At the same time, it flattened Philadelphia's record at 5-5-1 and dimmed their playoff chances in the NFC. However, as they say on those late-night infomercials, "But there's more!"
Donovan McNabb's incredibly miserable first-half performance put him on the bench, perhaps for good, in favor of Kevin Kolb, who threw the boomerang interception from what amounted to the two-inch line or so. McNabb's game has been declining precipitously and this could be in the end of the line in Philadelphia where the atmosphere regarding the Eagles is absolutely toxic.
Now, after calling a pass on second-and-goal from the something-inch line and the game still within reach, coach Andy Reid's job beyond this season has to be considered in jeopardy.
Beyond the results on the scoreboard, what is important is that the Ravens proved themselves as a team ascending with a young quarterback who can still manage a winning effort on a day that was less than his best and -- because he is a rookie -- is expected to only get better.
Philadelphia, though, has a 10-year veteran and former star that is on his way out of town, McNabb, and a second-year quarterback, Kolb, who has yet to show he can assume the offensive leadership responsibilities.
Ravens coach and former Eagles special teams and defensive assistant John Harbaugh proved yesterday he made a heck of a move in jumping from Philadelphia to Baltimore as the revival in Baltimore is in full bloom. In Philadelphia, the season is finished and so may be the Reid-McNabb era.
Comments
With the benching of McNabb while game is in reach and the 1 inch yard line (can you say Billick) pass call; I think Reid kinda fast forwarded the end of the era. Now they know how we felt last year. Booooo to coach and quarterback.
Posted by: Joe Kluskey | November 23, 2008 6:20 PM
Bill, I thought the exact same thing when I saw him on the sidelines, McNabb's done and Reid is not that far behind him. It was a smack of desperation putting in Kolb, he was throwing him to the wolves.
Posted by: Marcus | November 23, 2008 8:10 PM
I never understood why McNabb got as much respect as he did. He's shown me very little.
---------------------------------
In fairness, he has been a good QB for a long time but this extended slump has wiped out his team's season.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: CTFan | November 23, 2008 8:25 PM
This was a total team effort, and in this case the best team won. The Ravens came out in the second half and dominated on both sides of the ball. You could say that the Eagles were de-clawed.
http://mvn.com/ravensroost/
Posted by: MIke Brown | November 23, 2008 8:52 PM
What are you watching? McNabb's performance has not "declined percipitously"........yeah, against the Ravens he played poorly. But, he is having a pretty good year........and he is still one of the top 8-10 QBs in the league......you just killed your column by making this ridiculous statement.
------------------------------------------
Truth,
I am speechless. In the last three games, McNabb has failed to complete more than 50 percent of his passes. In the NFL of the 21st century that just doesn't happen, especially in the West Coast offense where so many passes are short stuff. Just try to find another QB that has gone three straight with less than a 50 percent. He has always had quarters where he couldn't hit the ocean but now he has entire games. He is the No. 20 rated passer in the NFL. A steep declinde is exactly the right description because this is not the same player since the bye week.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Truth | November 24, 2008 12:02 AM
Hmmmm. Maybe some of those assistants from the Iggles will become available when some of the Ravens' assistants go on to other jobs with greater responsibilities. And how do you suppose Mr. Reid will do in that Coors Light commercial he's getting ready to film???
--------------------------------------
Is it a silent film.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: ffeineandsugar | November 24, 2008 11:11 AM
McNabb has never been that great of a QB. But, injuries and age have taken their toll and he does (not) have the same skills that he once had.
Reid is just one of the many coaches on the hot seat this off season, and might actually be let go this time. Going to be an interesting off-season for coaching changes.
----------------------------------------
Capt.,
I made an edit believing you were saying that McNabb does not have the same skills as before. A year ago, he looked like the McNabb of old. In the last month, he has slipped badly.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Captain Jack | November 24, 2008 3:55 PM
Thanks for the edit you are right. McNabb may have recovered from his knee injury. But, remember, he cracked two ribs a few weeks ago and I am sure he is not 100%. Also, when Brian Westbrook is healthy, the Eagles are a much better team. Westbrook is the true Eagle MVP. The Eagles also lack quality wideouts. They arent as bad as the Lions and the Chiefs, but they are not what they used to be.
-----------------------------------
Capt.,
I think the guys they have now ... Jackson, Curtis, Brown and Westbrook, if you toss him in there as a receiver ... are a lot better than that group of Todd Pinkston, James Thrash and Freddie Mitchell in 2003, and McNabb dragged those guys to the NFC Championship game. Their WRs are not great but they're actually a lot better than they have had through most of McNabb's career with the exception of Owens. I just don't think he's close to being the same player.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Captain Jack | November 24, 2008 4:28 PM