 Posted: Mon 10:21, 28 Mar 2011 Post subject: McNabb trade could lead to shift in power in NFC E |
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| The Philadelphia Eagles' decision to trade Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins could change the balance of power in the NFC East.
While Eagles fans have grown tired of McNabb for his repeated big-game failures, the six-time Pro Bowler led the team to six NFC East division titles and five appearances in the NFC Championship Game. McNabb traded to Redskins McNabb coverage: » McNabb traded to rival Redskins | Sound off » Carucci: Eagles may soon regret decision » Faulk: Eagles made the right move » Wyche: Eagles comfortable turning to Kolb » Kirwan's mock: How trade changes things » La Canfora: Redskins offered Haynesworth » Photos: McNabb through the years Video: » Reid: Why Eagles traded McNabb to 'Skins » Reactions: Kolb | Vick | Redskins | Philly » La Canfora: How the trade went down » Some fans left scratching their heads » What's Campbell's future in Washington? NFL Shop: » Get McNabb's new No. 5 jersey right here Additionally, McNabb led the Eagles to the playoffs in eight of his 10 years as the team's starter, and keyed the team's run to Super Bowl XXXIX. If those remarkable feats aren't enough to justify his status as one of the few elite quarterbacks in the league, McNabb has compiled .643 winning percentage (101-56-1) as a starter, which only ranks behind Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in the past 10 years. Replacing such an accomplished quarterback won't be easy, but the Eagles obviously believe that Kevin Kolb is up to the challenge. He posted back-to-back 300-yard games last season while filling in for the injured McNabb against the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs. Although those gaudy numbers have raised Kolb's profile on a national level, it is important to note his 391-yard performance against the Saints was in a 48-22 blowout, and his 327-yard outing against the Chiefs occurred against the league's 30th-ranked defense. Thus, the lofty expectations for Kolb should be tempered in his first season as the team's new starter. He is bound to experience his fair share of struggles directing the offense, but Andy Reid must hope that the team's extraordinary support cast is able to carry him until he matures into the role. Therefore, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy will be counted on to step up their respective games with a new quarterback under center. If Kolb fails to perform well as the team's starter, Andy Reid appears to have a solid backup in Michael Vick. The three-time Pro Bowler may not be the accomplished passer to the level of McNabb, but he is an electrifying playmaker capable of winning a game with his legs and improvisational skills. The team surprisingly kept Vick when most expected him to be released on the eve of receiving his enormous roster bonus, and it is clear now that Reid viewed him as a necessary insurance policy. For the Redskins, the deal to acquire McNabb gives them a legitimate quarterback well versed in the West Coast Offense. He should easily transition into Mike Shanahan's version of the system, and his familiarity with the division should help him hit the ground running during the regular season. Although the Redskins still need to upgrade the supporting cast around McNabb, the team already has weapons in place to set him up for success. While Clinton Portis took a step back last season, he has rushed for over 1,200 yards in every season he has suited up in at least 12 games. Additionally, the team has picked up Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to fortify the team's rushing attack. In the passing game, McNabb has a three-time Pro Bowler in Chris Cooley and another former Pro Bowler in Santana Moss. In addition, he has a young set of pass catchers (Devin Thomas, Fred Davis and Malcolm Kelly) that could blossom under the tutelage of the veteran. Remember, McNabb routinely enjoyed stellar seasons as the Eagles' starting quarterback with an unheralded set of receivers for most of his tenure, and the Redskins' cast has more potential than those units. Given Mike Shanahan's ability to craft elite offenses and McNabb's ability to bring out the best in young receivers,dresses, this move will help them make an immediate push for the playoffs in Shanahan's first season. |
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