The return of Donovan McNabb could not change the Eagles' fortunes.

It seemed only appropriate when David Akers 57-yard field goal, which would have tied the game and sent the game into overtime, instead clanked off the upright.

The blundering Birds thus dropped still another game, losing to the Giants 16-13.

The return of Donovan McNabb, which looked so promising on a scintillating opening-game drive that put the Birds up, 7-0, then went right back into hibernation.

Yes, A.J. Feeley is a turnover machine.

And Donovan McNabb is still indecision personified. Donovan drops back, he looks, he sees nothihg, he looks some more, he moves a bit, and then either throws an interception or is asacked.

The crisp, quick drops and throws that we saw the last two weeks (yes, many to the other team) are nowhere in evidence.

The season is now over.

The Eagles can start thinking about next year.

And who should be back. Time to start over? Or simply retool a bit.

That is the question Andy Reid faces today, and his stock "we need to put players in a better position to make plays" isn't going to cut it.

There is one overriding question facing this team. Should Donovan McNabb be the quarterback next year. Everything else is simply background music.

Times yours, Andy.