MIKE MCMAHON STILL THE SAVIOR?
When Mike McMahon took over as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, I spoke with a couple Iggles fans who said he could take them to the promised land. I’m not kidding. He didn’t look too bad in his first real action of the year, replacing Donovan McNabb against the Cowboys a couple weeks ago. But, it looked to me like he was Michael Vick but without the skills: he wanted to run first. But, the Eagles fans didn’t listen. And “easy” schedule in the second half of the season would let McMahon do as he pleased.
It was great to watch him go 4-for-10 for 64 yards and two interceptions Monday night before getting yanked in the second quarter for Koy Detmer. That’s a passer rating of 21.3.
Hopefully my Eagle-fan-friends have finally realized that the season is over. I just hate seeing them get all worked up over something – let alone a quarterback who couldn’t make it with the Detroit Lions – only to be disappointed in the end. Then again, I guess that defines what it is to be an Eagles fan.


How did I miss this gem in the write up? I thought some of the Eagle observation were offbase, but this one really has to take the cake.

Are you kidding me, there is no way this “Iggle” exists or is a real person. (beyond the made up part) I’m not even sure this person exists on the official eagles message board.

The HOPE with McMahon (just like any other backup QB) is that they can run the offense, keep the ship afloat, score some points, and not make mistakes. Something he did quite well in the previous games against the Giants and the Packers. Within that regard and looking at the schedule, one would say.. yes, there is a shot with the guy in there. No way a soul on earth thought he was superbowl caliber. Then again, in a weak NFC just get to the playoffs and anything is possible.

I could also delve into the aspect of winning with less, his name was AJ and a 3rd stringer. Or winning with 3 of the 4 starting DL on IR. Or winning with ½ the secondary out for 4
+ games. Or winning without the top WR….

This year, however, astute Iggle faithful knew that any chance of making a playoff run had absolutely nothing to do with who the QB was. It had to do with the defense. Specifically the pass rush. You see the key to Johnson’s Defense is getting pressure on the QB. Right now the biggest problem is the OLB’s just cant pass rush. When not rushing they really can’t cover, or they can’t cover for more than a few seconds. No pressure + time in the pocket = poor defense.

Perfect examples of this:

Scoring to tie the game in Washington, then the D allowing a long scoring drive right after.

Dallas game, allowing a quick score when the game should have been in hand to draw them within 6.
First series vs Seattle and allowing 3 3rd down conversions. Many of which were over 8 yards.

McMahon is running an offense which is missing:

Probowl RB after the first series.
Probowl Tackle
Probowl WR
Other starting WR
Starting Center
Starting Guard
Backup RB out with a concussion

It basically leaves him with a rookie RB, Rookie WR, a 3rd string WR, a 4th string WR, and a TE that can catch but not block. 2 Rookies on the OL and another who has seen very little action ever…

Yup McMahon is a total failure…

This leads to my question to Eagles fans… Needs for next year.

-I think the key is to get one big upgrade in the LB spot. Speed is the key.
-Definitely need to bring in another DE.
-A big back to offset Westy and allow him to play his game and not get beat up between the tackles.
-A decent WR, doesn’t have to be an all pro.

Those few adjustments are the only thing missing this year.

[ December 09, 2005, 10:22 AM: Message edited by: PhillyFan ]

Did that come from Jim and/or Cyd's writeups? I mean, I don't know since I stopped reading them.

I don't think McMahon is ever going to develop into a decent backup. Even if you put Feeley in the same situation as McMahon this year (offensive injuries, lousy defense) I still think he'd do a better job than McMahon did. I'd rather have a proven veteran as a backup...but I bet the Eagles are afraid of having a quarterback controversy. McMahon and Detmer are so bad that no one in their right mind thinks they should take over for McNabb. But what if (as an article in the paper today suggested) Kerry Collins were the backup and McNabb fell into a slump?

There was an article in the Daily News yesterday that listed 8 things. You've got 4 of them. The others: re-sign Runyan, get a blocking tight end, a veteran backup QB and get taller at cornerback.

[ December 09, 2005, 04:38 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

I think many people by now realize that a qualified backup QB is an important part of any team. For too long the Eagles brass has just assumed that Donovan would always be around, and for the brief spells he is not, a plug and play QB would do. But as anyone can see, McNabb will become more injury prone as he gets older.

Someone like Brad Johnson taking over for Culpepper is a good example of a backup. Reid and Banner just need to get this into their heads and not worry about potential QB controversies.

My expectations for the Eagles this year is that the newer players or rookies play hard and show what they have. I don't want to see players quitting on their team as Trotter has suggested. Reid needs to let these guys know they are playing for their futures and can easily be cut.

I agree with the Runyun re-sign, totally. I also want that jackson kid to be the starting center next year.

However, this "they need a backup" thing.. geez..

If Manning or Brady go down.. they are both in the same boat. To even suggest that a statue like "have another beer" collins can work this system... come on guys. I really dont feel like reading about start collins next year.

Then again, is it really fair to judge McMahon based upon what he has to work with right now? It would be one thing if this was a fully loaded team, but at this point... dmac couldnt do a heck of a whole lot with everyone missing.

The key to this team is the defense. If it was anything close to what it was the last 3 years, they would be in 14-10 games each week. Sort of like when AJ came in.

The big running back HAS to be key at some point, doesnt it? Oops sorry, this is reid we are talking about.

For one week at least the 3rd string didnt totally make themselves look silly.

Reno Mahe... BRUTAL.

It's a good thing he's mormon or he'd be unemployed.

Ryan Moats has potential but he needs to learn a few things, making sure the ball is protected, learning how to block better and timing his runs so that his blockers have a chance to make open space for him. He actually did much better in this past game by not out running his blockers.

If he gets these three things right, I could see a good tandem next year with him and Westy both in the backfield. If Andy were to trust Moats enough next year, I wouldn't mind using Westbrook as part time WR. The reason I mention this option is that I really don't see any stud WRs out there that the Eagles are going to acquire in free agency. So the team will have to get more creative with the personnel that they have.

Assuming everyone come back healthy next year and pick up some defensive help in the offseason the team should be much better.

I heard a figure at the beginning of the year and wonder if anyone can confirm. Eagles were 10 million under the cap. Why? Saving for? Injuries are unfortunate, all teams have them. Isnt that what depth is for?

Ken boy,

I dont think the cap number is that high. With the westy resign.

No roster in the NFL is going to overcome the loss of the starting center, probowl tackle, OG for a few games, the starting WR, getting rid of an all pro WR, the pro bowl QB, the probowl RB...

and a pro bowl corner, starting DT for 4 games... and well my head is hurting right now.

[ December 13, 2005, 11:35 AM: Message edited by: PhillyFan ]

Maybe its time for Mama Donovan to stop spreadin the Chunky Soup around the locker room and get them boys into shape next year!

There was an item at Philly.com about the 2006 schedule. Theoretically, a last-place finish now results in an easier schedule. Besides the 6 NFC East games they have the NFC and AFC South in the previously set rotation. The other games are against the last-place teams in the NFC North and NFC West. Therefore...

Home: Jacksonville, Tennessee, Carolina, Atlanta, either Green Bay or Detroit (whoever finishes last)

Road: Indianapolis, Houston, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, San Francisco

It's now official that Green Bay is the final opponent. Do we play them every freakin' year?) You know, if they can get the tourist area of New Orleans fixed up (and the rebuilders out of the hotel rooms) maybe that should be the 2006 trip?

Meanwhile, it was reported that the Vikings wanted permission to interview vice president of player personnel Tom Heckert for their GM job, but that won't happen now as he's been named Eagles' GM. I don't see a change, though, since Andy Reid has the title of executive vice president of football operations. It's still really Reid's show.

[ January 02, 2006, 05:16 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

So I'm guessing you've never bled in New Orleans?

I've never been there -- and I'm getting a restraining order against you! Everytime I leave the east coast and you're around, I bleed! wink

The Eagles are said to be targeting Antwaan Randle El to upgrade at wide receiver.

New El stop: Broad and Pattison?

They need to re-sign John Runyan.

Nuff said.

Eagles 2006??

How many games have they lost so far?

Doesn't seem like they're going to. They're letting him go into free agency to test the market, and there are said to be teams that will throw some money at him.

Hey Hey Hey All you Eagles fans! So when the schedule comes out later this year, how many tickets do I need to arrange for here in Tampa? wink Start saving boys!

This item from the paper is more interesting right now than some game in 2006. wink



[ March 02, 2006, 12:43 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

From philly.com:

Derrick Gunn on Comcast Sports Net was at the Maxwell awards in A.C. tonight and reported the following:

LeCharles Bentley will be signed by the Eagles by Monday.

Backup QBs Detmer an McMahon are probably gone for the season and will be replaced by Jeff Garcia.The third backup will probably come via the draft.

The Eagles are looking to go after Shawn Barber who was cut by the Chiefs.

Rumors are that Hollis Thomas will be gone but Derrick thinks he will stay because his salary is low, trade value is low, and he knows the system. well, he would be a good backup.

[ March 03, 2006, 07:55 PM: Message edited by: phillyrunner ]

Even today's papers said he'd sign today. Well, he did.

With Cleveland.

It's ok to kill the message as long as you don't the messenger with it.

Anyway this signing reminds me of the Oscars where Brokeback was all but assured of victory only to snatched away in the last minute.

Don't worry, the ones to blame are those sitting in the offices at the Linc (or the NovaCare center) twiddling their thumbs while other teams sign players. This despite the fact that according to one report they'll be an estimated THIRTY MILLION under the cap once they release T.O.

The paper yesterday also said the Eagles were interested in Joe Jurevicius even though he was thought to prefer returning to Seattle. He ended up signing too.

With Cleveland.

Finally, they sign someone! Eagles sign DE Darren Howard to a 6-year deal.

Too many questions on these two dudes.....

The DE had a down year (why?) he was a franchise player.

Barber has been hurt for 2 years...

Tight end Matt Schobel is the latest to sign...and supposedly they may turn to Jeff Garcia as the backup QB.

Think that our newest backup experiment is almot complete

ALL WELCOME JEFF GATHIASSSSSS

Should make for some thrilling matchups when TO goes to the pokes!

Who wants to load the gun for me?

Just wondering.....do you think Jeff Garcia would have signed with the Eagles if TO were still around?

And if TO doesn't sign on with some team in the next day or two, do you think we'll be treated to a press conference from his driveway again?

~Adam

Next question!

wink

I doubt it. Then again, you could make the argument that had TO been playing at the end of the season, McMahon's or Detmer's performance might have been considered good enough that a backup QB wouldn't be needed.

Garcia hasn't actually signed yet. The Eagles website says he's in town and will be available to the media on Thursday at 1 pm, so they could sign him by then.

However, they have re-signed Darnerien McCants, who caught five whole passes last year. Woo...hoo?


For maximum realism, repeat that about forty times. wink

[ March 15, 2006, 06:50 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

Best sign EVER! At least in regards for new material! wink