Mcnabb wasn't the only one benched - Gaither did not start.

[Basscat7]

Written by Garry Cobb
Sunday, 23 November 2008
You probably already know why L.J. Smith has been benched but you might wonder why Omar Gaither has been sat down.

I spotted Gaither in the Giants game refusing to attack New York fullback Madison Hedgecock on ISO (short for isolating back on linebacker) runs. The linebacker whether he's inside or outside must not cower from taking on the back when he knows he's the lead back in the hole.

There's no other way to say it, in the Giants game, Hedgecock took Gaither's heart and had him catching the block rather than attacking it.

You can believe the Ravens saw it on the video and were ready to run at Gaither all day long. Ravens starting fullback Le'Ron McClain is about 260 pounds and his backup is veteran fullback Lorenzo Neal, who is 255. They both do a great job of blocking.

Isn't it interesting that the Ravens have two fullbacks but the Eagles thought it was wise to go into the season without one?

Gaither also had trouble with the screen pass in the Bengals game. He went to sleep a couple of times in the game against the screens. Jim Johnson obviously feels that Akeem Jordan, who is faster and more athletic, will do a better job at the weakside linebacker spot.

Brent Celek will be more effective than Smith because L.J. couldn't even get open in man-to-man coverage against Dhani Jones. They need to ship Smith out of here as soon as possible.

Birds have got to draft a tight end in 2009.

[Pillager]

I don't think they have to draft a tight end.  I think they need to let Celek play and see what he's got to offer.  I like his hands, and they need to develop him.  You don't develop sitting on the bench.  He might prove to be inadequate, but why not at least try before wasting a pick and finding out later that he has what it takes.

That's my argument for playing Kolb.  See what he's got.  If he has it, trade McNabb for whatever you can get for him.  If he doesn't, keep McNabb and draft another QB.

McNabb could play for another 3-5 years.  Not saying I want to see that, but he could if they need him to.