First stint with Eagles
On March 15, 2006, after consecutive frustrating seasons for the Browns and Lions, Garcia signed a one-year contract with the
Philadelphia Eagles to serve as the primary backup to
Donovan McNabb in
2006. Because McNabb was already wearing number 5, Garcia would end up having his jersey number changed to 7, previously worn in Philadelphia by former quarterback
Ron Jaworski.
Following McNabb's season-ending knee injury in a game against the
Tennessee Titans on November 19, 2006, Garcia entered the game. Coach
Andy Reid named Garcia as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season over fellow backup
A.J. Feeley, despite Feeley's popularity in
Philadelphia.
After a loss against the Colts on
Sunday Night Football, many sportscasters (namely
Jimmy Johnson) predicted the Eagles to be out of contention for the rest of the season. However, Garcia led the Eagles to five consecutive victories and the NFC East division championship. The rejuvenated quarterback threw ten touchdowns and only two interceptions, while posting a
QB rating of 95.8 in eight total games played. He also made the front cover of
Sports Illustrated following his five-game winning streak. On January 7, 2007, Garcia earned only his second ever playoff win, throwing for 153 yards and one touchdown in a 23-20 victory over the Giants. On January 13, 2007, Garcia and the Eagles lost to the
New Orleans Saints by a score of 27-24. He threw for 240 yards and a touchdown - a 75-yard touchdown pass to
Donte Stallworth - the longest in Eagles' postseason history.
Though he stated that he would love to re-sign with Philadelphia, the Eagles decided not to offer Garcia a new contract after the season. The Eagles opted to instead sign the younger A.J. Feeley to a three-year deal.
My cousin said he was pretty cocky when he came in freshman year, but he was pretty grounded by the time he left this year. Still wouldn't want to see him go to the Browns though.
indeed.
