Donovan McNabb knows that the emotions of returning to the city where he played for 11 seasons will probably hit him closer to game time. For now, he says that he is approaching Sunday's game against his former team just like any other.
"I think people are probably looking at it a little deeper right now than anything. You have to remember it's just Wednesday," McNabb said on a conference call with Philadelphia reporters Wednesday morning. "As far as me kind of expressing how my emotions may be, it's kind of hard for me to explain at this particular point. It's something I can probably answer after the game. As of right now, I'm approaching it like any other game, going through the same regimen, watching film and kind of watching some keys that obviously can help us out in the game come Sunday."
McNabb owns virtually every franchise passing record from wins to yards to touchdown passes. While he said that he's not concerned with the reaction of the fans, he understands that he is suiting up for a division rival.
"In reality, you have to remember that this is kind of a big rival and one that obviously we see twice a year," McNabb said. "So there will be some realization there. As far as hopefully after the fact that they recognize that I'm back but just knowing that I'm with the Redskins; I'm sure they won't be happy about that aspect."
McNabb was traded to the Redskins on Easter Sunday night. He reiterated on Wednesday that he quickly immersed himself with his new team to quickly get over any sting of being dealt. As for his performance on the field with his new team, McNabb has completed 61 percent of his passes for 833 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. After a Week 1 win over the Cowboys, McNabb threw for 426 yards in a losing effort to the Texans. Last Sunday, the offense struggled in a 30-16 loss to the Rams.
"We've shown signs of making some great plays, some big-time plays. We just have to be a little bit more consistent and that will come with time," McNabb said. "I thought we've done some good things around here. We just have to take advantage of the opportunities that are there."
While McNabb was one of the offseason's biggest storylines in all of sports, Michael Vick is now dominating the headlines. The Eagles are 2-1 and own first place in the NFC East behind Vick's marvelous performance. Remember, Vick wasn't even supposed to be the starting quarterback.
"I've seen a different type of person, a guy who is truly determined now," McNabb said of Vick. "He's acceptive of his role and what's been asked of him, a guy who understands there's not many more chances left. He's took full advantage of that. He went in through the offseason with the mindset of getting better, getting himself back and ready to go. You see obviously a guy out there who is making big plays for his team."
McNabb is happy for Vick and at the same time he harbors no bad feelings towards his former head coach in Andy Reid.
"We're good friends. He stuck his neck out and drafted me in '99. We had a lot of success together. We've been through some ups and downs together," McNabb said. "Things happen."
When he was asked about how he remembers his tenure with the Eagles, McNabb said he thinks of the decade of success that included trips to five NFC title games and a Super Bowl appearance. Sure, McNabb is happy in Washington and said that he wants to remain with the team although his contract is up at the end of the season. But McNabb will always be remembered for the magical moments he created with the Eagles.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 11:45 a.m., September 29
