Donovan McNabb Wins Record 4th NFC Runner-Up Ring
Glendale, AZ – Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb added yet another item to his sparkling NFL resume on Sunday when, after a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, he won his fourth NFC Runner-Up ring.
The Eagles, who lost 32-25 to the Arizona Cardinals, almost came up short of the ring but showed excellent fortitude when they allowed Arizona to go on an eight minute, fourteen play drive late in the fourth quarter. Allowing that drive to happen almost single handedly won the ring for them, though McNabb’s awful throw to Hank Baskett on a third-and-ten and Kevin Curtis’ slip on fourth-and-ten pounded two more big nails into Arizona’s coffin.
When asked for a comment during his post-game celebration, McNabb said, “It feels great. You know, in years past it was more just a great personal effort from myself that got us the ring. But this year, the defense really came to our rescue. The way they allowed themselves to be run over by the team that was ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing offense was absolutely amazing. People will be talking about that performance for a long time, and rightfully so, it was amazing to watch.”
McNabb played noticeably better in the first half where he led the Eagles to two field goals and also used poor clock management to come one play short of kicking another field goal before halftime.
However, in the 2nd half, McNabb almost lost his shot at a fourth NFC Runner-Up ring. He threw two touchdown passes to tight end Brent Celek in the third quarter and also hit DeSean Jackson on a 62 yard touchdown strike in the fourth quarter. That touchdown put the Arizona Cardinals in position to take the ring, but Philly’s defense came to the rescue and made sure that didn’t happen.
The die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fans were also ecstatic with McNabb’s performance. Many fans who made the trip from Pennsylvania just sat in the stand and openly wept. One fan, who asked that her name not be used, said, “First the Phillies win the World Series and then McNabb wins his fourth NFC Runner-Up ring. I’m at a loss for words. It seems like things are finally turning around for Philadelphia sports teams.
Michael Nutter, Philadelphia’s mayor is planning a victory parade for the team and its coaches. Like the Phillies’ World Series parade, it will start on 20th and Market streets, then travel east to go around city hall, then go south on Broad Street en route to Lincoln Financial Field.
