Full Court Press

Hit the nail on the head Romo...he can also talk to McNown, Mathews, et al.

Bottom line - high paid QBs will get hammered if they don't get the job done, regardless of race. Other than a few boo-yas at espn, and the people in Green Bay, people have been on Favre for 3 years now saying to retire! Now he's playig a lot better than McNabb.

2 other things:
- Why did he get compared to Palmer and Manning? Does he actually think he's as good as they are? 4 years ago maybe...today, he can't stay on the field let alone beat the Redskins at home!
- interesting how he used the Rush Limbaugh arguement in reverse.

Roman responds: Don't compare him to McNown or Matthews. Those guys weren't any good.

Mr. Modrowski, Mr McNabb was speaking in the essence of an overall perspective, with the statement about Black quarterbacks being criticized more.

Think Joe Gilliam, Doug Williams which are two black quarterbacks who received undue criticism because of skin color. Also, others who had to play in the CFL first (i.e) Warren Moon, to be considered NFL material before getting a try out with an NFL team.

Roman, you are viewing through your eye lenses, not his or any Black quarterback. Yes white quarterbacks get criticize, but do you think McNabb would still be the starting QB for the Chicago Bears when playing as poorly as Rex Grossman?

Remember the Chicago Bears had drafted a Black quarterback and relegated him to kick-off returns. When finally getting a shot, the team released the best receiver (James Scott) on the team at that time, and he didn't have anyone to pass to. Realistically he had to run or get sack damn near every play.

People go research Willie Thrower!

Roman, it depends on the perspective and I doubt very seriously if Limbaugh played into McNabb's statement, though it could have.

Roman responds: Douglas, those are the only lenses I have. Sometimes empirical data - ie booing - should be considered.

I noticed how we skipped over discussing Goodell and the Patriots, but its all "Good". But I will miss all of the posts calling for a lifetime ban of Bilichek and the Patriots to return their championships and have an asterisk by their records, etc...

Just my opinion, but I believe Donovan was referring to the fact that a great deal of racism is behind playing that position (same with coaching). Like how they have to be held to extra scrutiny and higher standards. Any position that requires athleticism, pays good money, and there are only a few blacks has to be suspect.

If Rex was black, he would be rooming with Henry Burris right now.

Roman responds: Huh?

See, this is what is unfair about the media. They take somebody's words and manipulate them. It is my opinion that when Donovan McNabb said white quarterbacks are criticized less than blacks, he was talking about GOOD black quarterbacks versus GOOD white quarterbacks. You can't include Rex, Eli, Rivers, Ryan Leaf, etc. They are ALL unproven bums. He's talking about the fact that when Peyton Manning didn't win, everybody blamed his defense. And believe me, Peyton, Harrison, and Wayne were a huge part of those losses to the Patriots. Meanwhile, when McNabb didn't win, people blamed him. Despite the fact that he has never had a real running game. And his only real good receiver was that basket case T.O. And take this into account, I am a person that can't stand McNabb and wouldn't want him on my team over Manning, Brady, or Palmer. I just wanna be fair and I wish you all would as well.

Roman responds: Unproven bums? Then include Donovan in that group. Rex has taken his team to as many Super Bowls as Donovan, in fewer years.

I'm convinced McNabb is the most insecure football player in the league. After watching him last night, I don't think he has much room to talk.
These HBO segements are a little like reality tv I think - get their guests to say stupid/controversial things to drive ratings. Go back and look at prior tidbits which leaked out before an episode aired.

After McNabbs last 2 games he should be criticized. He's playing as bad as Grossman. He's never done anything except choke in the SB against the Pats and I think he is also overated. I very seldom hear announcers say anything bad about him, even when he makes a mistake. Grossman takes a beating no matter what he does.

You know, I was thinking about the 0-2 Eagles just this morning. It had more to do with the bloggers and experts who picked Philly to win there division, some going as far as having the Eagles in the Big Game, than Donovan possibly making excuses for his teams poor start, which I strongly feel may have contributed to his thoughts. I really like the guy, but this Black and White stuff is getting old. What we need are more Latino, German or Samoan Q.B.s to stir the pot even more.

Better start winning Mr. McNabb, because I don't see any comprehensible excuses on the horizon. Then again, I don't see a top tier quarterback there either.

Donovan McNabb seems to be feeling the 'heat in the kitchen' and doesn't know how to deal with the pressure. And, for him to say black quarterbacks are criticized more than white quarterbacks is a copout!

Maybe, McNabb's trying to take some of the pressure off himself. But, continually using the "I'm getting picked on because I'm a black QB' excuse is setting himself up for a lot of criticism from football fans, especially his loyal Eagles following.

My prediction is this will be McNabb's last year in Philadelphia. And, Chicago, NY Jets, and Tampa Bay look to be good options for him next year.

BTW: I hope the Cowboys try to pick Tank Johnson's brain about the Bears, it should take them all of 5 seconds.

This from the son of Momma McNabb who said the Eagles success without McNabb last year was "bittersweet".

...The apple doesn't fall far from the tree

Tank Johnson joke:

A guy gets into a horrific accident car accident and his brain is severly damaged. His family is told they could get a brain transplant from a donor. The doctor tells them there are three donors and how much each brain will cost.

Donor #1 is Mike Singletary and his brain costs $50

Donor #2 is Richard Dent and his brain costs $10,000

Donor #3 is Tank Johnson and his brain costs $1,000,000

The family asked the doctor what's the big difference in the costs of each brain.

He replies, "Well, Mike Singletary was smart and was a coach on the field and he used his brain all the time. Richard Dent was only a good pass rusher and only had to use his brain a little."

The family asked, "Why is Tank Johnson's brain so expensive?"

The doctor responded, "It's never been used!"

Now you've done it Romo...opened up the floodgates for the socially mis-guided!

No, not criticized more, but black QB's don't get the same credit...If a black QB wins, it's because he is so athletic, and if a white QB wins...he's a genious...a field general...

Go back to the Superbowl when Doug Williams out passed and out classed John Elway.....badly...Joe Gibbs got the credit

Don't hear a lot of talk about Warren Moon and his football I.Q. do ya?...Seems to me if he wouldn't have went to Canada first, all the passing records would be his...not Marino's..but then again, he would have been a product of his system, right?

I didn't see the interview, either, but I know where Donovan is coming from..and what context he was putting it in..

and please, Rex's name shouldn't be mentioned in the same galaxy as McNabbs...Rex is the worst QB in the NFL....I think that's where he's ranked....32nd, right?

Even with Cedric...put McNabb in a Bears uni....we win it all

Well...someone tell Atlanta...

Leftwich signs two-year deal with Falcons - 1 hour ago
Would former Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich give the Falcons a better chance of ... He won't wear it with the Falcons. That jersey number technically still ...
Atlanta Journal Constitution - 209 related articles »

And the Spying continues....

Suspended defensive tackle Tank Johnson signs contract with Dallas ... - 1 hour ago
IRVING, Texas (AP) — Suspended defensive tackle Tank Johnson signed a two-year contract Tuesday with the Dallas Cowboys. Johnson, who played the last three ...
The Canadian Press - 276 related articles »

Roman responds: Spying? Please. Ron Turner was the defensive coordinator, and what did he give San Diego to attack the Bears' defense? Zoids. What was Tank going to say? Who parties the most?

Donovan obviously didn't hear about the 70,000 Jets fans cheering when Chad Pennington limped off the field week 1 either.

I'm trying to think of all of the consistently good or great QBs over the years who would have faced scrutiny for being good but not good enough for "white" standards:
- Warren Moon...hall of famer
- Randal Cunningham...good, not great
- McNabb...great for 4 years; not sure if he's good now
- Vick...oops
I'm guessing I'm missing a few but I can't put together this list of good QBs who McNabb says don't measure up and have faced this overwhelming double standard.
Doug Williams? Mainly a career backup with 1 great SB
?
Tavaris Jackson? ...sorry...couldn't resist

Donovan...it's called the pressure of being an NFL QB you dummy. Ask Rex, Eli, etc

If Donovan is speaking about something he's speaking on his own perspective. As a black man who is getting any type of criticism maybe he's just sensitive to what he feels. I can't blame him because he does get criticized as much as the next QB and it's only human to wonder if you're being singled more than the next guy. Plus he's in Philly where they criticize EVERYONE. These guys threw snowballs at Santa Claus. Also, living in a big city brings out more ugliness than living in a small town. Get a drunk guy who's way over the limit and you're bound to hear almost anything come out of his mouth. Maybe, he's still sensitive to the question that Rush Limbaugh started. Philly fans will make you wonder why they hate him ,on occasion, so much. It wasn't like they were Gaa-gaa over him in the first place. In Chicago he wouldn't get booed as bad as Rex because we give our hometown products more breaks than that. Which one did we want more to begin with? Since Philly fans are more critical why can't we see where he's coming from? Also, who got put on a better pedestal for being an up-in-coming talent at QB more between, say ,Vince Young and Tony Romo? Who got the bright lights and the Pro bowl nod? Who was the better talent? So, it's not so crazy to see who's a better cup of tea for the masses. When has a black QB been able to be propped up in his 30s compared to the number of white QBs who play well into their 30s for a number of different teams? A white QB will still get a job even if he's over the hill and get more chances than an older black QB. Where is Kordell, Jeff Blake, Henry Burris... Just kidding. But honestly where are those guys who were good and great at times. You can recycle Testaverde at 42. Sign Jeff George 2 years out of the league and have Jeff Garcia sign with a new team every other year. In Chicago we've given plenty of washed up players a chance at QB but ran Kordell out before the year was out. It isn't so much the criticism it's the amount of chances black QBs get and how their window of opportunity closes faster. Not getting opportunities is actions that speak louder than words. So if I was McNabb I'd see things and hear things that others didn't see or hear.

Roman responds: I've got a lot of problems with this one, William.
First: I thought the first part of your post was contradictory. You say he gets criticized as much as the next QB, but he says he gets more because he's black. And you sound like you agree.
Second: I'm not sure we give our hometown products special breaks. I covered Eddy Curry on the Bulls, and he got booed pretty good for being lazy.
Third: Vince Young and Tony Romo got the amount of praise they deserved. People raved over Vince. C'mon. I thought he was better than Romo last year, but I understood sending Romo to the Pro Bowl.
Fourth: You mentioned a couple of black QBs who did get recycled: Blake and Kordell. What about Rodney Peete? Do you really think an NFL owner is going to say: Hmm, let's see, I need a veteran QB to help us out. But I'm only going to recycle a white one? There was a time that would have happened (Im' reading a book on Pete Rozelle, and it did happen), but I doubt that's the case very often today.

If McNabb had said something like "there are still SOME people who will criticize a black QB more than a white one" - I could understand that - we know that's the case.
But to make a blanket statement like this is absolutely comical...especially from a QB who can't stay on the field.

Maybe 5 years ago he had a point, but I agree with you Roman. Grossman gets pulverized here, about half of it is deserved, but a lot of people actually sympathize with Mc Nabb from the T.O. fiasco.

Haven't seen the article either but Manning had been getting a lot of free passes over the past ten years. He didn't even lead his team to the SB and they were trying to call him one of the greatest qbs in NFL history. All changed for Manning last year, but Mc Nabb should just keep his mouth shut and try to win some games.

Another thing we agree on, Roman. Down with Rush Limbaugh! I suppose in some ways McNabb may have been thinking it was a matter of degree and the predisposition of bigots the world over to degrade at the slightest opportunity. Certainly one meets such people, who even resent ethnic groups or individuals when they are seen on commercials ( taking jobs away from Caucasians is the usual inane justification for their resentment ). On the other hand, I suspect the Rex critics would be perhaps a bit more vicious if Rex were Afro-American; that is, unless the Rex critic was an ethnic minority.

I saw the whole interview last night, and it's funny how, like you, I immediately thought of Rex Grossman. And since I saw the whole interview the context was that McNabb was whining and feeling sorry for himself. What he said also did not involve Limbaugh as McNabb never mentioned the honorable one's name in this interview. The interviewer, James Brown, said "don't all QB's get criticized"? McNabb responded "black QB's get criticized more". He also went on to say there are not many blacks that play QB and that people don't want blacks to play QB. You have to remember that McNabb is a racist, so this shouldn't surprise anyone. I say he's a racist because two years ago he said it bothered him when Terrell Owens said the Eagles would be better off with Favre at QB. But he also said it would NOT have bothered him as much if Owens said they would be better off with another black QB such as Culpepper or McNair. He said Owens' statement was similar to "black on black crime". So this proves this clown is not only mentally soft, but it also shows how he has that militant, black power attitude.

Jeff - good catch on the TO "black on black crime". Totally forgot about that already...I think he gets this from his mom. She was the one whining last year about it being "bittersweet" when the eagles did just fine with Garcia at QB

Back at you Dan for catching his mom's offensive statement last year. Also, if black QB's get criticized more, and that's a big if because Limbaugh told the truth four years ago, it's because most black QB's are mediocre to bad players. Go to espn.com and see where the six black QB's rank statistically after the first two games.

I think it's OK if a black man criticizes a black QB but I don't think it's ok if a white man criticizes a black QB.

Based on Jeff's post, McNabb sounds like he just needs a hug and we all need a class in sensitivity training. Why he sounds just like... hmmmmm... Zambrano... and the entire Cubs team of 2005, who ran Steve Stone out of the broadcast booth for being too honest... and Prior... and Dusty Baker... and that kid Olsen with the Marlins.

I guess the only thing athletes don't spend their millions on is a thick skin -- or perhaps a dose of reality. You play well, we love ya. Don't play so well, we love ya a lot, lot less. Don't play well for several games (e.g., the Rex-ster) and we begin thinking the back-up quarterback sounds like a viable option.

Guess what, Donovan? Play well and the boos will stop. It's a lesson Rex needs to learn, too.

JT, why did Romo do it? It is on every Sportsnews channel tv and radio.

McNabb did it. Not Romo

I agree with Keith, I didnt give Billicheat a pass. Maybe there is something to it. Maybe guys like Brady get a pass and Bonds doesnt.

I mean, if they were stealing Defensive Signals, who would benifit the most? Wouldnt it be Brady..

and what do you mean...PLEASE? Are you saying the Pats werent caught Spying??

I thought they were, otherwise, why the 750K in fines and loss of firstround/orsecondroundintheeventtheymaketheplayoffs ?

oh...your probably right, Jimmy Jones, knows how to break bad boys like TO and Tank right? He is the THUG WHISPERER right?

I agree with Keith, I didnt give Billicheat a pass. Maybe there is something to it. Maybe guys like Brady get a pass and Bonds doesnt.

I mean, if they were stealing Defensive Signals, who would benifit the most? Wouldnt it be Brady..

and what do you mean...PLEASE? Are you saying the Pats werent caught Spying??

I thought they were, otherwise, why the 750K in fines and loss of firstround/orsecondroundintheeventtheymaketheplayoffs ?

oh...your probably right, Jimmy Jones, knows how to break bad boys like TO and Tank right? He is the THUG WHISPERER right?

WRD...Burris is looking for 2 bedroom apartments in Toronto...1 for him and 1 for Rex if he doesnt get his act together soon.

Roman responds: I've got a lot of problems with this one, William.
First: I thought the first part of your post was contradictory.

Just the First part?

Its on Real Sports right now!

He needs a flipping tissue...seriously...Donovan sounds like he has a permanant sinus infection. Why he so Sniffy???

Not only that...but go back and read that THREAD about Tommie Harris's Comments about wanting McNabb as his QB...

http://blogs.suntimes.com/fullcourtpress/2007/06/are_you_buying_harris_backtrac.html#comments

You will see that TONS of people wanted McNabb over Rex.

Also....

explain this....william..seriously..

they booed Harrington in Atlanta...and they brought in a SLOW BLACK QB? not Athletic...but slow and plotty...so....how do you reconcile this with your argument?

There's nothing to really worry about with the black QB situation. Yes, black qb's do get criticized more; But when they do get in the league, they tend to keep a foothold. Culpepper, for instance, has been knocked down a couple of pegs-after being caught with his pants down while floating on the Minnesota River, acting a fool-but he's still hanging in there. Mcnabb himself came back from a career-threatening knee injury and he's back in the game. It took no less than a federal indictment to drag Micheal Vick out of the pocket. Yes, black quarterbacks will catch extra flack, but there's a great career ahead for those who stick around.

McNabb has personally experienced coaches who wouldn't play him at QB because he is black. That's something that I haven't experienced, so I can't tell him that he's flat-out wrong.

The flaw in his argument is that he compares himself to Manning and Palmer...HUH????? Surprised Brady wasn't in his argument.
McNabb is delusional...

What about how White Defensive Backs have to be faster and hit harder to over come the reverse stereo type of being slow.

or...

you dont see to many white Defensive Ends get drafted in the first round anymore either or Tail Backs...

nobdoy complains about that...

William...r u kidding about Kordell and Jeff Blake? They were stealing at the end of their careers (yes, like many white QBs). Who are you looking for...Shawn King to make a comeback?

There are brutal white and black QBs...they all get booed when they suck. End of story...

Why we expect these fools to be statesman and speech writers is beyond me, shoot, they can barely give interviews anymore either.

Since when were athletes expected to be eloquent speakers?

Not everyone is going to be like Bill Russle...(born on my bday by the way).

Roman responds: Donovan McNabb is not a fool. Where do you come up with this stuff? He strikes me as being an intelligent, articulate guy. I just don't agree with what he said.
I think some of the blow holes you listen to are the fools.

Jeff, I like and appreciate your candor. To be a black quarterback is rare. There are more than there used to be, but you know they paid a heavy price to be there. McNabb is speaking about what he knows, and he expected T.O. to know and appreciate his perspective. But T.O. only cares about stats/dollars, but thats another convo.

I trully hope you are eluding to a greater expectation of McNabb; that he would say "the best quarterback should have the job", because that would be right. But then again...that would be right for ANY job wouldn't it?

Roman responds: Keith, what do you think Donovan "went through" to be a quarterback?

So this proves this clown is not only mentally soft, but it also shows how he has that militant, black power attitude.

Posted by: Jeff | September 19, 2007 11:08 AM

Jeff, what is a militant? What is Black Power? What is attitude?
**

You have to remember that McNabb is a racist, so this shouldn't surprise anyone. I say he's a racist because two years ago he said it bothered him when Terrell Owens said the Eagles would be better off with Favre at QB.

Posted by: Jeff | September 19, 2007 11:08 AM

Jeff, this statement makes him a racist because a basket case wanted another guy as quarterback? T.O. didn't make the statement "A White Quarterback, he said Brett Favre", and I'm quite sure majority of Black posters did not view it T.O. implying it either. Considering he was McNabbs 'thorn in the side', any quarterback would have suffice for him at that time other than Donovan.
**

I think he gets this from his mom.
Posted by: Dan | September 19, 2007 11:26 AM

Dan, be very careful when addressing the Black woman, okay? If you want to rock with any Black male poster I think they will be more than happy to engage vernacularly with you, but do NOT bother the Black woman, especially mothers.
**

Roman responds: Douglas, those are the only lenses I have. Sometimes empirical data - ie booing - should be considered

Roman, I agree with empirical data, but what are you using except observing the booing from the fans? Where is the concrete statistical analysis of numbers to refute what McNabb is stating? I believe Donovan is going by numerous critiquing in the media, sports magazines, ESPN, columnists when it comes to Black QBs, not just booing. Yes, he is playing poorly, we all know wins shut the fans up!

Roman, let me ask a serious question and please respond. How many White cornerbacks and safeties are in the NFL? How many are wide receivers? In contrast how many Blacks are Quarterbacks? I want you to think of it from the other side and now contemplate if Donovan McNabb is being sensitive. In other words, we all know the QB gets majority of the fault when losing and the accolades when winning. But is it spreaded evenly(to keep down arguments) when it is Black QBs versus White QBs?
**

Posted by: Hitman | September 18, 2007 04:44 PM

Hitman makes a valid point!

Roman responds: As I've said before, I don't pretend to know what blacks go through in this country, so I usually don't challenge claims of discrimination. But in this case, I really don't think black quarterbacks get any more criticism than white quarterbacks. Julie makes a good point, New York fans cheered Pennington getting injured. What's worse than that?