If Donovan McNabb is about to learn anything, it’s that he can make the Washington D.C. metro area hold its collective breath with his game-time probability.

The concept of an injured McNabb is one that NFL fans have grown accustomed to.  McNabb and his reckless style of play is, for the most part, a thing of the past.  However, the effects of his scrambling and play-extending abilities are duly noted by the fragility of his body.

No doubt, the Redskins were fully aware of this when they acquired him.  But Washington is gambling that his underrated cerebral ability will become more instinctive and allow him to stay on the field for the duration of the season. 

McNabb on the field - - a sight that Washington would like to get used to.

Sure, the former Syracuse star may miss a game or two along the way, but Washington should maintain a widescreen view of this season.  If their new quarterback is able to start and finish the season without sustaining any major ailments along the way, then by default the ‘Skins will have put themselves in a much better position for playoff competition than in years past.  Chris Foreseter, the offensive line coach, will have the significant burden of protecting McNabb.  And he’d better be creative in his determination of when his lineman can maintain the traditional pocket and when they need to be move it.  Subtle repositioning of the pocket may prove to lengthen Donovan’s potential for lasting the duration of the season.

And just how much is McNabb toying with the emotions of the Redskin faithful?

We’ll never truly know.  The six-time Pro-Bowler is a walking assortment of bumps and bruises, but has played at least 14 games in each of the last three NFL campaigns.  And my bet is that he will start the regular season opener.  With the anticipation of improvement in the nation’s capital, McNabb will not want to be the source of further disappointment to long suffering Washington fans. 

He simply wants to make a grand entrance.

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