December 5, 2007
Two weeks ago, the Eagles played the Patriots. It was like watching a different team.
Quarterback Donovan McNabb was unable to play due to a thumb and ankle injury. Instead, A.J. Feeley, second-string Eagles quarterback, took the turf.
Feeley was at the top of his game. The Eagles’ motivation and success amazed fans and made for an exciting back-and-forth game. The Eagles lost, but only by a single field goal, achieving a final score of 28-31, blowing the predicted score of 16-38 out of the water. The whole team looked sharp, and Feeley courageously led the team to what very well could have been a win against the best team in the league.
Unlike McNabb, Feeley thrives under pressure and does not panic when the pocket is collapsing around him. He does not mind taking a hit once in a while. Remaining calm, he finds an opening and usually is able to complete the pass.
However, last Sunday’s loss against the Seattle Seahawks questioned Feeley’s abilities. Loyal Eagles fans turned sour, confused by his sudden decline in performance. The Seahawks-Eagles game was simply an embarrassment.
The team came out with a moderate-looking score of 28-24. However, those who had the unfortunate displeasure of watching the game can attest to the fact that the Eagles did not play nearly on the same level as they had in the previous week’s game.
Feeley’s game crumbled, leaving fans wondering what happened to the confident and talented quarterback they had seen in the Patriots game.
Clearly, those who chose Feeley over McNabb were wrong. Last week’s game proved there is a reason Feeley is second-string. He is inconsistent.
McNabb, a more consistent starter, has experience Feeley lacks. McNabb is able to find options, and he throws to whoever is open, avoiding those who are double-covered by the opposing team.
Some may criticize McNabb for being more cautious than Feeley, but his carefulness usually prevents him from unintentionally throwing the ball to the opposing team.
Feeley’s boldness sometimes works against him when the ball is intercepted. Some people argue that the Eagles could have won the Patriots game if not for the three interceptions thrown to the Patriots by Feeley.
In the Seahawks game, he threw four interceptions. Unless Feeley can begin to show some consistency, McNabb may be the better choice of a quarterback even with an injury.
