McNabb Was Unaware Teams Could Tie
Who could be surprised that the league's first tie game in six years would involve the Cincinnati Bengals... right? I mean, these guys have had just about everything go wrong this year that could. So something like a 13-13 tie is almost expected at this point, especially when you take into consideration the dubious history of the Bengals. What was unexpected, though, was the reaction to the finish of the contest by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who apparently was unaware that regular-season NFL games are limited to a single overtime.
During his post game press conference, McNabb was asked his thoughts on finishing in a tie, and he answered by saying he didn't even know you could have a tie in the NFL.
Seriously.
You can see the video here.
It just amazes me that a star NFL quarterback could be unaware of the league's overtime rules, but this basic aspect that most football fans pick up by the age of 12 apparently had somehow eluded McNabb over his entire 10-year career. Think of the implications this could have had on the Eagles' final drive of the game if McNabb, who's supposed to be running the offense, was under the impression that he would get another shot in yet another overtime period should his defense hold as the extra period expired. Perhaps you play a little more conservative at that point rather than with the desperation one would expect from a team facing its final chance at a win.
Whether or not McNabb's ignorance on the subject affected the outcome of this game, it's inexcusable that someone in his position wasn't fully aware that he was in a do-or-tie situation.
Photo: Chris Trotman / Getty Images
Comments
McNabb has never been a truly top-tier quarterback. Even when his stats were good, there was always something lacking. The Eagles need to start playing Kevin Kolb to see if he is the QB of the future.
I, too, was taken aback a little by the remissive ease of Donovan’s apparent ignorant candor. I suppose I just assumed
that 10 year pros know not only the object of their craft but also the history, tradition, and PARAMETERS, which would include the rules, of that craft.
But, otherwise, Donovan has proven himself to be a top-tier quarterback from the moment he was “welcomed” to town…with a Bronx Cheer. His impecable career stats hold up under the scrutiny of all but his most severe critics. This stands true whether his “top” receiver was ’some guy named Freddie’ or the ‘ever open’ waste of talent, flesh, and ball savvy called Terrel Owens.
But great player don’t win SUPER BOWLS. TEAMS…who’ve meshed and gotten healthy at the right time time…win SUPER BOWLS. Just ask the unquestionably great Dan Marino, Dan Fouts, or Fran Tarkenton how great it felt to win the big ONE. Their answer, as mine and your’s, would be a clueless shrug.
What a tempest in a teapot. So the guy forgot a rule. Put things is perspective it is a game and only a game. The guy is human, with all the crap he has to put up with in Philly this is the least of his problems. All the know it all fans who have never even played the game should get a life. The same goes for the press who are too over involved in confusing foot ball with life and death. PS I am a lifelong giants fan and hold not love for the eagles but have lost my perspective on a man making a mistake. Actually his mistake was to tell the truth..