McNabb injury might be a blessing is disguise

The struggling Philadelphia Eagles desperately needed a big change to turn things around this season.

Believe it or not, they may have gotten just that when star quarterback Donovan McNabb went down with a season ending injury.

Before you question my logic, please understand that I firmly believe McNabb will be their quarterback for years to come. He is one of the best in the league and gives them their best shot at winning.

But this year is different.

The offense has been struggling of late. Head coach Andy Reid keeps saying he is going to run the ball more, that he will sustain drives longer. And yet he continues to throw and depend on the big plays. Unfortunately for the Eagles, they have not been getting big time plays recently.

With Jeff Garcia at the helm now, the Eagles are less talented at the quarterback position. I believe that Reid will have to run the ball more. He will have to depend on slowly moving the ball down the field.

I believe that the defense has actually been more of a problem this year than the offense. But consider that the Eagles have thrived on the big play, which results in quick drives. Because of this, the defense has spent a great deal of time on the field.

Consider that if the Eagles sustain longer drives, the defense will not be on the field as much.

Sure, a lot is going to rest on the shoulders of Garcia. And if he does not perform well, the fans will be calling for their 2002 savior, A.J. Feely. The Eagles were 7-3 at that time and second string QB Koy Detmer was hurt in his first game as the starter. Feely caught fire down the stretch before giving way to McNabb in the playoffs.

But this is a different year. Don't expect Garica or Feely to carry this team. Instead, expect them to slow things down a littler more. Expect them to change the style of play calling.

While it may sound crazy to say the Eagles are better off with McNabb, I don't think that is so far fetched - at least for this season.