So much for the feel-good release of the year. The fact that veteran Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter accepted his release gracefully Tuesday, and almost seemed to agree with it, didn't prevent quarterback Donovan McNabb from calling out management Wednesday.
McNabb was strangely silent while his teammates paid homage to one of the city's most beloved sports heroes Tuesday. Turns out he may have simply wanted the stage to himself Wednesday.
Actually, running back Brian Westbrook joined McNabb in his public dissent, but the veteran quarterback took center stage, saying he was "shocked" by the news and wanted answers.
"Every year, it's a surprise when a veteran gets cut," McNabb said. "In this game that we play, things happen, and you always ask the question, "Why?' and you never seem to get a correct answer. It's something I've kind of, sort of grown accustomed to in my nine years now. You know, you just hope that it never happens, but it does."
Privately, the Eagles have talked about how slow Trotter looked last season on his bad knees. One member of the organization told me earlier today that defensive coordinator Jim Johnson was constantly having to come up with ways to prevent Trotter from being exposed against the pass, although it's been that way for a while.
As I pointed out yesterday, the Eagles have never tried to build their defense around linebackers. Yes, Trotter was a great leader, but it's not like the unit fell apart when he signed with the Redskins in 2002.
I hear a lot of people bemoaning the fact that young players such as Omar Gaither and Chris Gocong will become starters, but in reality, this is what the Eagles do. They draft defensive players, let them watch for a year or two, and then insert them in the starting lineup.
Call me cynical, but I think McNabb's passionate defense of Trotter is completely self-serving. Sure, he'll miss the energy and spirit Trotter brought to the team, but this is more about McNabb still being upset about the Eagles drafting a quarterback in the second round of this year's draft.
McNabb took the Kevin Kolb selection as an indictment on his career, and now that the Eagles have dumped a hugely popular player in the locker room and city, he sees another opening to get his licks in.
McNabb may be the leader on this team, but I don't think he spoke for everyone when he demanded answers yesterday. Veteran safety Brian Dawkins didn't say anything close to that publicly, and I think everyone would agree that he's one of the most respected players in the locker room.
When I first heard of McNabb's indignation over Trotter's release, I thought back to when Terrell Owens was tearing apart the locker room in 2005. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it was Trotter who hurt the quarterback's feelings by speaking on Owens' behalf.
In a related matter, Trotter tried out for Tampa Bay earlier today. The Bucs are set to begin the season with 24-year-old Barrett Ruud at middle linebacker, but after dumping several veterans on defense, they could probably find a spot for Trotter.
I know a lot of folks in my Broncos audience thought Trotter might be a good fit because of all the injuries, but I'm told the Broncos have done their due diligence and have decided not to pursue anything with him at this point.
Stay tuned for more.
(Photo: AP)
