The Eagles (5-5-1) are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third time in four years since losing the 2005 Super Bowl. No matter how they finish, this could be McNabb's last season in Philadelphia.
McNabb, who turns 32 today, is signed through 2013, but there's no chance the Eagles will pay him $9.2 million next year to be a backup. He's 22-21-1 as a starter since leading Philadelphia to four straight NFC Championship Games from 2001-04.
"As I sit here right now, he's my starting quarterback," Reid said. "I need to coach better. Donovan needs to play better, and the guys around Donovan need to play better."
McNabb was 8 for 18 for 59 yards with two interceptions and a fumble in the first half against Baltimore. But the Eagles only trailed, 10-7, when Reid decided to have quarterbacks coach Pat Shurmur tell the veteran he'd be replaced.
Last week, McNabb threw three INTs and lost a fumble in an overtime tie with Cincinnati. Overall, he's completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 2,770 yards, 14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 81.1
"I think I know Donovan McNabb . . . " Reid said. "I know [seven] turnovers, that's not him."
Pacman practices
Suspended cornerback
Adam "Pacman"
Jones was back at work with the Cowboys in Irving, Texas, going to meetings and a practice even though he can't suit up until Dec. 7 against Pittsburgh.
Jones is allowed to do everything but play in the next game - Thursday against Seattle - as he works his way back from his latest suspension, a six-game penalty for violating the league's player conduct policy.
He previously was suspended for the entire 2007 season and coach Wade Phillips said yesterday it's reasonable to believe another slip-up would get him permanently banned from the NFL.
"We've got to hope, for his sake really, that he has cleared all that up," Phillips said. "All the pressure is on him, really, to do the right thing."
Jones did not come into the locker room during the 45 minutes it was open to reporters.
A team meeting followed, then an extended walkthrough that was closed to media. The Cowboys will be without left guard Kyle Kosier (foot) and rookie cornerback Mike Jenkins (hamstring) Thursday.
It'll be tricky for Vick
