Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Overrated talk? That’s ditto, Rush

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, Oct. 3, 2003 | 10:06 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at sal@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4076.

There is a distinguishable difference in the actions of Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and radio host-turned-ex-NFL analyst Rush Limbaugh.

In every game, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb feels some pressure. He fears being sacked. Sometimes he runs out of bounds. But he never quits.

Limbaugh proved that sometimes he says something out of bounds, and when he feels pressure, and fears being sacked, he quits.

After what he said Sunday, the rest of us were the ones needing pain-killers. On Wednesday, Limbaugh took the easy way out, resigning from ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown." But I'm not inclined to let him off that easy. I don't think Rush Limbaugh was that good from the get-go.

The networks have been very desirous that a radio-host do well. There was a little hope invested in Limbaugh, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of the show that he didn't deserve.

The racial remark was bad enough. Limbaugh claimed that the media wanted a black quarterback to succeed.

If anything, the media are equal-opportunity critics, whether we're talking about Ahman Green or Trent Green, Brad Johnson or Keyshawn Johnson.

Limbaugh defended his comments on his radio show, saying that for all the hype to surround what he said, it must contain some truth. A few hours later, he quit his job.

As if more damage to his credibility was necessary, he followed by saying McNabb was overrated.

Perhaps Limbaugh isn't hearing himself clearly with that ear implant. Overrated? He's entitled to that opinion, but McNabb is only in his fourth season as a full-time starter, and he has been to three Pro Bowls. By the way, the coaches, players and fans -- not the media -- pick the Pro Bowl squads.

McNabb has thrown more touchdowns than interceptions every year. He has run for more than 450 yards three consecutive seasons, including last year when he played only 10 games. He averages 6.9 yards per rush.

Stats aside, McNabb already has perhaps the most important qualities of an NFL quarterback: leadership and guts. For evidence, look at Philadelphia's game in November against Arizona.

McNabb was sacked awkwardly in the first quarter. He played through the game with a discernible limp, and threw four touchdowns en route to a win. Afterward, the team discovered he played with a broken leg.

After four weeks in the Sal's Celebrity Selectors contest, Mayor Oscar Goodman is in the lead with an impressive 9-2-1 mark against the spread.

"I don't know what else you would expect, having been in the cellar the last two years," Goodman said.

Wayne Newton is second with an 8-2-2 mark, and newcomers Penn & Teller are third with an 8-4 mark.