Owens does a Rush Limbaugh

Some kids never learn. Last season, Rush Limbaugh stepped in deep doo-doo by belittling Donovan McNabb's value to Philadelphia. It made all the papers. It was all the talk on sports shows early in the 2004 season. How could anyone miss it?

Perhaps Terrell Owens was too preoccupied disparaging Jeff Garcia in San Francisco to perceive or understand the object lesson. Dissatisfied with his contract with the Iggles, Owens has freely acted out, feeling slighted and abused when the team failed to recognize a career milestone. Never mind that most of his touchdown receptions came while he was in a 49er uniform. But then, he committed a bigger blunder by readily agreeing with an assessment by ESPN analyst and former Cowboy Michael Irvin that the Iggles would be undefeated if Brett Favre were the quarterback rather than Iron Don McNabb.

Owens really walked into that one. Like Limbaugh, Owens is separated from his organization; whether for a few games or the rest of the season remains to be seen. Donovan McNabb is unquestionably one of the top five quarterbacks in the league. This season, he is outperforming Brett Favre. Why anyone would challenge that is beyond explanation.

Overall good news for the Redskins, but there are risks. Owens out is a steep drop in talent. That will force the Iggles to a new gameplan, something the Redskins haven't seen on tape. Gibbs & company have to be savvy and adjust during the game. This contest is as much a tactical coaching duel as a contest of athletic ability. The Iggles could rally from this, or fold.