[STRONG]The McNabb Suck-o-Meter[/STRONG]
The recent controversy created by Rush Limbaugh over Donovan McNabb brought to mind the fact that I have felt for several years that McNabb is over-rated as a quarterback. Not necessarily because the media wished for a black QB's success as Rush proposed. I have never been able to pinpoint a specific reason but he does seem to get more credit than he deserves based on his performance.
It's not just the media either that give him glowing praise. Players insist he is one of the best QB's too. Why? Am I imagining things? What do the numbers show? What is it that so many seem to value in his performances. Often they quote that he has gone to the Pro Bowl the past two years. He has led his team to the NFC Championship game. They say, how could a bad QB do that? The only concession that they would make was that his first two games this year were poor.
I have decided to examine his performances compared to other QB's. Admittedly, not everything can be measured by stats alone and some statistics will be difficult to find but lets see what I can put together. Initially, I will begin with just basic statistics.
My first step in this examination was to look at week 5 of the current (2003) season. The week following Rush's comments on McNabb. How did McNabb fare?
16 for 30 (53.3%) for 157 yards, 9.8 yards/attempt, 1 TD, 2 INT.
League average: 57.95%, 219 yards, 11.6 yards/attempt, 1 TD, 1 INT
Did the Eagles win? Yes. Did they win because of McNabb? Not likely.
Of the 28 quarterbacks that played Sunday, McNabb was 19th best in completion percentage. He was 22nd in passing yards. 20th in yards per attempt.
My initial impression of his performance: C-
posted by The Shadow at 4:35 AM [edit] 