Philadelphia Eagles Need McNabb as Backup Quarterback

The Philadelphia Eagles prepare to open training camp at Lehigh University Sunday with the same expectations as last year -- to win it all.

But the mantra is a little different for Coach Andy Reid this year -- it's win or else.

Owner Jeffrey Lurie made that quite clear during his end-of-season speech when he soured on a franchise that had such high expectations after several top-of-the-line free agency signings only to see Reid and his team do a belly flop throughout the whole year.

But the Dream Team turned into Team Turmoil as wideout DeSean Jackson bitched about not having a new contract and Pro Bowler Asante Samuel complained about the competition at the cornerback spot.

Well, Jackson now has a new contract and Samuel has been jettisoned.

But Reid must win this year or else.

And if the Birds are expecting Quarterback Michael Vick to make it through the season without injury, then they are also expecting Reggie White to come back from the grave to lead the defense.

Not gonna happen.

So why not sign Donovan McNabb as Vick's backup?

Yes, McNabb had his moments with the fans. But the man had a proven track record of success quarterbacking this team for a decade.

How many players out there led his team to four straight NFC East championships, five NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl?

No one ever on this franchise.

If the Birds get their wings clipped with a Vick injury, who better than good ol' No. 5 to extend their winning ways.

Do you really believe that Mike Kafka can do that? Or Trent Edwards? Forget the rookie QB.

There's only one answer to this big problem. And that's McNabb.

Imagine his smile as he lights up the Linc filling in for Vick. Or keeping those interceptions low by throwing every ball into the ground by a receiver's feet. Or making that mad scramble, like he's moving in quicksand, for that first down.

Yes, our Donovan.

No player in Eagles history did what McNabb did at QB. Check the stats. You won't find Jaws or Mr. Cunningham.

McNabb holds just about every record in club history.

And the pressure won't be so great so don't worry about those dead-end stops in Washington and Minnesota. McNabb has to be a backup.

He's slimmed down and is ready for the challenge.

He knows Reid, knows the offense, knows the team, the city and the fans. And if he knows and accepts his role, this deal is a no-brainer.

Cause if Vick falters or gets hurt, it's going to be another season of misery. Only McNabb can save us from that misery.

Now might be the perfect timing.