Wednesday, October 31, 2007

DMN Blog: McNabb and Andy talk T.O., Rivalry with 'Boys

McNabb doesn't back down

Donovan McNabb was asked about his quote that the NFC East title goes through Philadelphia. He's sticking to it, even though the Eagles need a win to get to .500.

"If you want to be the best and be the heavyweight champion, you can beat everyone that you're fighting," McNabb said, "but ... no one will look at you as the champion unless you beat the champion.

"It's not anything that's bulletin board material or something that can motivate you. If you need that to motivate you to play this game, you don't need to play."

The Cowboys agree, at least publicly, pointing to the Eagles' run of five division titles in the last six seasons.

Posted by Tim MacMahon at 11:04 AM (E-mail this entry) Permalink | Comments (8)


Old pals sip tea and play croquet

Calvin "Lucky" Watkins gently asked Donovan McNabb if he had "kissed and made up with Mr. Owens." McNabb fired back with a smart-aleck reply.
"We've had tea and croquet," McNabb said. "We've just really been reflecting on the positive times."

McNabb continued to say that he had talked with T.O. and didn't really want to get into all that, although he understood that others would dig back into the past this week.

"It's the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night," McNabb said. "Tune in your TV if you're not going to be there. And I guess as he says, 'Getcha popcorn ready.' … And your Vitamin Water [shameless plug for product he endorses]."

Of course, we followed up with a couple more T.O. questions. T.O. has said that he regrets the way he handled some things while with the Eagles. McNabb said he had no regrets about the way he handled the situation, only that the duo didn't fulfill its potential.

"As a player, I like T.O. As a person, I mean, you know …," McNabb said. "We can't continue to harp on what happened in the past.

"As you can see, you’re seeing a different T.O. right now. You’re seeing a T.O. that's pretty much staying out of the media. He realized obviously that most of it isn't working in his favor, and he's just playing football. You can see a team right now with him that's having fun, and that's what you want to do."

Posted by Tim MacMahon at 11:20 AM (E-mail this entry) Permalink | Comments (0)


Reid loves T.O.

I wasn't here last year, but from what I'm told the hype surrounding Terrell Owens heading to Lincoln Financial Field now isn't near what it was then. And just as Donovan McNabb was complimentary of T.O., Andy Reid was quick to throw his old receiver his best.

"He’s a great player," said Reid. "He’ll go down if not the best, one of the best ever to play this game. Unbelievable football player."

Reid was then asked about the frenzy last year, and didn't seem to think it was all to do with T.O.

"I think it was (T.O.) and just it being the Dallas Cowboys," Reid said. "I think it’s developed into a great rivalry over the years, and I think the Dallas fans feel the same way the Philly fans do. When the other team comes into town, they’re excited."

The coach did say that dynamic exists all over the NFC East. But this one's a little different, because the Cowboys aren't in the Eagles' backyard, the way the Giants and Redskins are.

"The other ones are so close in proximity, but then you got the Dallas Cowboys," Reid said. "They all get a lot of hype and they’re all very exciting, from a coaching standpoint and a playing standpoint. This week, I’ll guarantee it’s the most exciting game of the year."

Posted by Albert Breer at 11:22 AM (E-mail this entry) Permalink | Comments (1)