This post is an Eagles fan’s perspective on Sunday’s tie between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals which includes a few ideas about leadership and confidence. Photo by Ron Cortes

While the sports news pundits and analysts had a field day about the tie between the Eagles and the Bengals, yesterday’s game really got me thinking about a few things:

1. Donovan McNabb admitted he didn’t know about games ending in a tie in the NFL. This shows a lack of quality leadership. He’s mentally checked out of this season, and it showed the past few weeks.

2. Admitting he didn’t know about the rule is honest. However, he’s taking a lot of media criticism, especially from the local Philly media. The questions are: Will he learn from his mistake, and does he care enough to correct his lack of preparation.

3. While the defense played a great game, the offense was very poor. Is McNabb truly to blame? Are his receivers choosing not to play for him? Are the wrong plays being called? These are questions that can only be answered within the organization.

As an Eagles fan, how am I expected to be excited about the rest of the season? I’ve lost confidence in the offense and the leadership. I’m tired of watching other teams produce on the field, while the Eagles go 3 and out over and over again. I don’t work hard every week just to take the time out of my weekend to watch this team and be forced to expect bad results.

One lesson I’ve learned: There’s a difference between confidence and delusion. It’s clear that the chemistry between McNabb and his team mates is not there. McNabb refuses to acknowledge that by saying ‘confidence is high.’ I’ve also learned that if after five weeks the plan is not working… change the plan. 

I was taught that in leadership, when there is an obstacle between you and your goal, you must make course adjustments in order to reach that goal.