Replies to post #1711 on R U Ready 4 Some Football (NFL)

[Colt1861Navy]

Eagles QB McNabb to start in Saturday's playoff game

January 7, 2003

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - It's official. Donovan McNabb is back in the saddle for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Coach Andy Reid made the expected announcement on Tuesday, declaring McNabb as the starter for Philadelphia's divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday night.

McNabb missed the last six regular season games after suffering a broken right ankle in a November 11 win over Arizona. He returned to practice last Thursday and pronounced himself ready to play, but Reid waited until Tuesday to make the official announcement.

"I'm comfortable with him (McNabb) right now," Reid said. "He'll continue to practice this week and sharpen everything up and I'm not worried about him. He's pain free and has looked sharp between last week and today."

The Eagles went 5-1 in McNabb's absence and clinched homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. They won at San Francisco on November 25 with backup quarterback Koy Detmer, who dislocated his elbow in the game. Third-string quarterback A.J. Feeley then took over and won four of five starts.

The NFL's highest-paid player with a $115 million contract, McNabb led the Eagles to a 7-3 record, completing 58 percent of his passes for 2,289 yards and 17 touchdowns with six interceptions. He also rushed for 460 yards and six scores.

McNabb, 25, broke his ankle on the Eagles' first series of the 38-14 win over Arizona when he was sacked by linebacker LeVar Woods and safety Adrian Wilson. McNabb fumbled on the play and stayed on the turf, clutching his leg.

Despite the injury, McNabb returned to the game with his ankle heavily taped. Playing with a noticeable limp, McNabb gave a courageous effort, completing 20-of-25 passes for 255 yards while matching a career high with four touchdown passes.

A two-time Pro Bowler, McNabb led the Eagles to the NFC championship game last season.

Earlier this year, the Eagles rewarded McNabb, making him the game's highest paid player with a 12-year, $115 million contract. McNabb's deal surpassed the $103 million contract quarterback Drew Bledsoe signed with the New England Patriots before the 2001 season.

Initially, Philadelphia fans booed the selection of McNabb in the 1999 draft, preferring running back Ricky Williams instead. Now, the "City of Brotherly Love" has embraced McNabb.

Since taking over as a starter late in his rookie year, McNabb has guided the Eagles to a 32-18 record, including three playoff wins.

McNabb earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl following the 2001 season after combining for 3,715 yards of total offense and establishing career highs in touchdown passes (25) and quarterback rating (84.3).

In his first full season as a starter, McNabb finished as the runner-up in the NFL Most Valuable Player voting after throwing for 3,365 yards and 21 touchdowns.

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[nightstocker]

I'm really looking forward to the game. I hope the excitement level stays high til the superbowl. There have been a few years that I just couldn't have cared less who wins of loses.