Nice knowing you, Donovan

November 17, 4:37 AMPhiladelphia Eagles ExaminerGordie Jones

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Donovan McNabb: time to move on.

It is not the least bit surprising when somebody in the Fourth Estate levels both barrels at the Eagles, Donovan McNabb in particular, after a performance like the one Sunday against hapless Cincinnati.

It is only mildly surprising when Merrill Reese, the team’s long-time radio voice, says the following on the air during the waning moments of such a game: “If ever there were a game neither team deserved to win, this is it.”

(Moments later, Merrill offered up the standard blurb about needing the “express written permission” of the league and the club to rebroadcast the game and added that re-airing it “could be extremely dangerous to your emotional health.” Not that he was disgusted or anything.)

But it is somewhat surprising when the team’s official Web site lowers the boom, especially when its target is the franchise quarterback. And that is what happened here.

Eagle-ologists, like Kremlin-ologists, are forever trying to read signs, and will no doubt take this as a sure indication that the cord, if it is not about to be cut, is at least fraying a bit. And if that’s the case, fine. Because maybe a change is best for all concerned.

Certainly McNabb was horrible against the Bengals – 28-for-58, with three interceptions and a lost fumble, after which he made the surprising admission that he was unaware there was tying in pro football.

It is only the second four-turnover game of his 10-year career, the other coming in a loss to New England early in the 2003 season. (He threw two picks and lost two fumbles in that one, if you must know.) It is also just the fifth time he has been intercepted three times in a game, and two of those occasions are rather notable – the Super Bowl loss to the Patriots after the 2004 season, and a loss to Carolina in the NFC championship game a year earlier.

And certainly it’s hard to envision McNabb, who turns 32 a week from Tuesday, presiding over another championship-caliber team here. Not when you consider some of the issues facing the club at other positions, like offensive tackle, safety and tight end.

So by all means, cut the cord, come season’s end. He could find love and happiness (and likely success) with the right team. The Birds, in the meantime, could hasten the rebuilding process with whatever he fetches in a trade. And they could find out about Kevin Kolb – whether he’s a long-term answer, or just another Bobby Hoying.

It’s time to move forward, to launch a new era. McNabb had a terrific run from 2000-04. Since then, he has been injured a lot, and the team around him as backslid in some critical areas.

He’s still a good player, but not quite good enough. Not for these Eagles, at this point in their history.

So just do it. It’s time. Sunday was just the latest reminder of that.