McNabb clarifies words on Eagles QB Wentz
Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb clarified his recent comments about current Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz on Monday, after taking criticism from the team's right tackle, Lane Johnson, on Sunday.
"For those of you who misread, didn't understand, were confused or just didn't like my comments let me clarify it for you," McNabb wrote on Twitter. "Let me start by saying there's no beef, riff or ill-will toward or the @Eagles. My comments were strictly based off of experience and understanding of how the business of football works.
"You are consistently evaluated everyday, every game and if you are reliable and or healthy enough to play. I know at times as players and fans it can be confusing to move on from a beloved player but due to the business of health and trust tough decisions are usually made.
"Maybe people just didn't like it because it's coming from me or I answered a question from one of the talents on the radio the way you didn't agree with. If that's how you feel I'm sorry you feel that way. It's the nature of the game."
McNabb said Saturday on CBS Sports Radio that the Eagles should consider drafting another quarterback if they don't get past the second round of the playoffs with Wentz in the next "two years or so." He referenced Nick Foles' success in Philadelphia and added of Wentz, "He hasn't really proven to me, besides the year before he got hurt he was, really, an MVP candidate. He needs to get back to that moment."
Johnson responded to McNabb on Twitter with several snake emojis and the words, "and you wonder why nobody respects you when you come back!!!!"
Johnson later went on 94WIP radio to expand on those thoughts, referencing former Eagles players who are critical of current players.
"Every training camp we have all of these ex-players come and shake our hands, wish us good luck," Johnson said. "Then they just go out and just talk hate. I feel there is a lot of envy, jealousy, and I see a lot of fakery. It isn't just me -- a lot of other teammates see it too.
"You would think the best quarterback in franchise history would try to build up a young man that looks up to him instead of always criticizing him, critiquing him and wishing he would fail so he could be the missing link and feel better himself."
Wentz, 26, earned a Pro Bowl appearance in 2017 and was an MVP candidate before tearing his ACL late in the season. He also finished last year on the sidelines with a back injury. Foles led the team to playoff wins in both years, including a Super Bowl LII title after the 2017 season, before leaving for Jacksonville in free agency this March.
McNabb, 42, went to six Pro Bowls in 11 seasons with the Eagles, finishing as the franchise's all-time leader in passing yardage (32,873) and touchdowns (216).
--Field Level Media
