McNabb to Vikings = Stupidest "rumor " ever written!

by JasonB on Jan 10, 2007 5:25 PM EST in Philadelphia Eagles News

We've all heard alot of crazy rumors in our day, but this could possibly be the dumbest, and most made up yet!

From the "Overheard" section of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. That's Minnesota for those playing at him...

Intriguing thought: If the Philadelphia Eagles were to beat the Saints on Saturday in New Orleans with quarterback Jeff Garcia, they would advance to the NFC championship game without starting QB Donovan McNabb, who's out with a knee injury.

Would Eagles coach Andy Reid, a pal of Vikings coach Brad Childress, who was McNabb's offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, then be willing to trade McNabb, 30, to the Vikings, who need a blockbuster playmaker to retain their season-ticket base?

Or would the Vikings try to sign the unrestricted free agent Garcia, 36, who runs the same West Coast offense as Childress, allowing Tarvaris Jackson more time to develop?

They go on after that blurb to list some supposed rumors about college football coaching vacancies.

Now, I'm fine with football fans or even writers stating opinions or even makings wish lists. We all like to talk over a beer about how we think we could swing a deal for Player A or we know that Player B would love to come to our team...

However, I do take issue with a newspaper blatantly making things up or posting something the writer just guessed as a "rumor". It's not a rumor! The closest the writer gets to admiting it's completely made up is saying "interesting thought." It's in the "Overheard" section posted amongst other rumors. This might have been an "interesting thought" you had, but you certainly didn't "overhear" it. Not on any planet would or even could the Eagles trade Donovan McNabb to the Vikings and go on with 37 year old Jeff Garcia as their QB of the future. Not only is it ludicrous from a football standpoint, the Eagles salary cap couldn't possibly withstand the hit of dead money it would take to move McNabb now or probably any time in the next few years.

If you want to write an opinion column about what you think the Vikings should do, or what you hope they will do. Fine. Invent whatever you like. Just don't call it a "rumor" and act as if it has any credibility.

One small note... according to Sheldon Brown, Jeremy Shockey wants to be an Eagle.

Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown had a long conversation with New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey during Sunday's game at the Linc. The topic? "He wants to come play here," Brown said. That's not likely, since he is signed through the 2011 season.

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Shockey or LJ?

Shockey's a good player, but he's also hurt a lot of the time. LJ Smith is a young guy with a lot of upside. Shockey would not be a big upgrade over Smith. Dave Spadaro spreads a little love Smith's way in this article where he points out that Smith has upgraded his blocking ability from what he showed earlier this season.

I don't see why the Eagles would want to make a deal for Shockey. They would have to trade for him since according to the NFL Players Association, Shockey is under contract through 2011. That means giving up a draft pick. Not to say they wouldn't go after a player to fill a position, but there isn't a burning need for another starting TE on this team.

Also, IMHO, Shockey runs his mouth way too much about his own wonderfulness. Who needs it.

by Dire Radiant on Jan 10, 2007 7:20 PM EST reply actions

Gotta love the inventions

Why on earth would you sign a 36 year old QB who had shown every sign of declining up until this year and get rid of a 30 year old franchise QB who despite his injury problems is one of the (in my mind at least) best players in the league? You wouldn't, unless you're scarfing donuts and need something for the overheard section of your frozen tundra paper. I'm waiting for someone to suggest the Falcons swap Alge Crumpler out for Tony Gonzalez.

by Dave Choate on Jan 10, 2007 9:33 PM EST reply actions

This probably is a rumor

and he likely picked it up from the forum at Philly.com!

by grover on Jan 10, 2007 11:43 PM EST reply actions

This is just dumb reporting

NO shot McNabb is dealt anywhere. Garcia will probably leave though. I don't mind AJ Feeley as the backup.

Let's go Birds!

by WeaponX on Jan 11, 2007 9:22 AM EST reply actions

Completely illogical

This is almost as foolish as the talk in Atlanta about trading Vick. Ron Mexico's contract is even larger, yet people just casually talk about how they should 'just trade him' if it doesn't work with Petrino. I would have a hard time supporting trading Donovan McNabb at this juncture in his career.

As for Shockey, the day he becomes an Eagle is the day my mom either a) mails a bomb to the NovaCare complex or b)commits suicide. He is on her 'enemies list' of athletes. Which reminds, me, I need to update the list for her.

You know what they say, that only mad dogs and Englishmen are out in the noon-day sun.

by The Don of DC on Jan 11, 2007 2:41 PM EST reply actions