Injuries & Medications Affect Playing

[LeonardRachiele]

Many fans realized in 2005 the effect of pain and medication on an athlete's thinking. Donovan McNabb began the season with a sports hernia. In the first game, he took a late vicious hit from an Atlanta lineman. While the officials did not throw flags, the league fined him $7,000-far too low an amount considering the salaries. The NFL was saying indirectly that the officials made a mistake. Too bad-Philadelphia could have used the 15 yards. This compounded his injury and, I believe, led to mental mistakes in four consecutive games.

October 23 San Diego at Lincoln Field. The Eagles' defense keyed on LaDanian Tomlinson, holding him to an amazing 7 yards in 17 carries. Through three quarters, Tomlinson had negative yards. Don Edwards, the San Diego defensive back, intercepted McNabb's pass at the Charger 17 ending one chance in the first quarter. After a beautiful drive to the San Diego 2, McNabb looked disoriented and time ran out just before halftime. This delay prevented a score. The Eagles led only 7 to 0 at halftime despite completely outplaying San Diego. Quinten Mikell's block of a field goal, one of the  great plays in Eagles' history, won the game. It should have been easier. Philadelphia 20 San Diego 17.

October 30 at Denver. From the start, the Broncos dominated the game and had a 28 to 0 lead. The Eagles finally came to life and the score was 28 to 21 in the middle of the third quarter. The Eagles were putting on their fourth drive, with a first down at the Denver 24. Donovan, with great protection, dropped back to pass. He wanted to go to Reggie Brown in the end zone. At the at the 15 yard line, Brian Westbrook was wide open to his left as was Lamar Gordon on his right. A completion to either man meant a sure first and goal and perhaps even a touchdown. When Westbrook caught an open field pass, tackling him was very difficult.  For some reason, Donovan stayed with the primary receiver, a triple covered Reggie Brown, and then came the expected pass interception in the end zone. A quarterback with seven years experience should not make this mistake. Picking out a secondary receiver comes naturally. After that, the Eagles collapsed and lost 49 to 21. It seems wrong to say that one play was a turning point in a four touchdowns loss. But the Eagles did nothing on offense or defense thereafter.

November 6 at Washington. At end of the first half, poor time management halted a drive at the Redskins' 8 yard line. The Eagles were behind 10 to 7. On the road, there is a definite advantage to the visiting team with a tie at halftime. Once again, at the end of the game, MacNabb threw an interception while inside the Redskins 10. There were two lost chances. Washington 17 Philadelphia 10.

November 14 Dallas at Lincoln Field. Early in the 4th quarter, Philadelphia had a first and goal at the Cowboy eight, leading 17 to 7. They failed to get a touchdown but increased the lead by a field goal. This turned out badly. Their defense yielded a quick touchdown with four minutes left giving the fans the jitters. After the kickoff, Donovan passed for a first down. On the next play, he threw one way, Reggie Brown ran another, and  linebacker Roy Williams intercepted and ran in for a touchdown. This was an obvious disconnect. Getting blocked on the play, McNabb sustained an injury that ended his season; and with it the Eagles' playoff hopes.

Playing football requires a quick mind in addition to a sound body. Both must be coordinated for succe