The prevailing non draft theme through-out the NFL Lockout has been the Eagles trading quarterback Kevin Kolb to the Cardinals for a first round pick. Kolb trade talk is all fans had to hang their hat on during the lock-out. The idea of flipping what was a second round pick into a future first round pick is a great premise, but when the NFL Lockout is settled and free agency begins does it make sense for the Cardinals?
A first round pick is a high ransom for a guy who has only started seven NFL games. Kolb supporters will point to the poor play such as his relief appearance in 2008 in Baltimore and say “He was just thrown in there.”
For the sake of argument ignore the fact the job description of an NFL back-up, is to play on short notice. Kolb’s numbers in games he has started is pedestrian at best. Kolb has a quarterback rating of 81.8 with 10 touchdown passes and 9 interceptions in games he has started. Is that first round pick worthy? If the shoe was on the other foot would Eagle fans be willing to part ways with a possible high first round pick for a guy with average numbers?
A safer more practical solution for Arizona (brace yourself Eagle fans) is former Eagle Donovan McNabb. Yes, McNabb was terrible last season, but McNabb has shown when he has weapons he can be very productive. It is a lot different throwing to Desean Jackson, and Larry Fitzgerald than it is throwing to Roydell Williams.
McNabb and Kolb both are big question marks heading into this season, however, between the two McNabb is the smaller risk. A good amount of Eagle fans may have trouble passing a fair judgment when they hear “McNabb” so let’s remove the names from the debate and focus on the basics.
The Arizona Cardinals need a quarterback, they have two choices, both choices had bad years in 2010. Choice “A” lost his starting job after one half of football, has thrown three more interceptions in his career than he has touchdowns, and requires Arizona to part ways with a first round draft pick. Choice “B” Had his worst season of his career in 2010, however, threw more touchdowns last season than choice “A” has for his entire career, Choice “B” had one of his better seasons in 2009 throwing to the same exact players choice “A” had last season, Choice “B” is older, but can be acquired for possibly nothing.
The risk is higher with Kolb. If McNabb becomes an epic fail for Arizona, they draft a quarterback for the future with their high first round pick in the 2012 draft. If Kevin Kolb is a bust in Arizona, they will be banking on a second round pick to begin the rebuilding process in 2012.
The top quarterback as it stands now in the 2012 draft is Stanford’s Andrew Luck who would have went number one in 2011 had he came out. If Kolb is traded for a first round pick and fizzles out the way he did in week one of 2010, there will be a lot of happy Eagles fans, and a lot of angry Arizona Cardinals fans, for Philadelphia’s sake let’s hope Arizona is that stupid.
I had concluded months ago that the NFL (Owners) runs the show.
Common sense would have gone with a possible selection in the draft or wait to 2012.
In my opinion if Kolb ends up in Arizona it is because it was decided by the NFL Owners. (Remember rich guys always have their meetings and decide on what deals should be made and whose turn it is to get a piece of the pie.)
Let me argue this a little.
Arizona is looking for a Qb to groom. one that can understand the playbook and stays out of the spotlight saying stupid quotes.
Statistically Mcnabb has put up good numbers but….when the game is on the line he always comes up short.
Kolb may be a bust waiting to happen but if its a player for player swap then why not roll the dice.
His arm may cause trouble. Not his mouth and intelligence.
A couple of things to think about pertaining to the Arizona Cardinals and the QB situation
#1) WR Larry Fitzgerald is one of the NLF’s best receivers and is effective on
deep,intermediate,across the middle, & along the sidelines. What he doesn’t have,is burner speed and is not strictly a deep route receiver which favors a QB like McNabb whose strength is the deep ball, but McNabb is not all that accurate on the intermediate/shorter routes and doesn’t fit into waht the Cardinals is now becoming.
#2) The Arizona Cardinals offense is not what they used to be under QB C Warner and former OC Todd Haley, when they relied on the spread offense and threw the ball 40-50 times a game. Their offense is now built similar to the Steelers and will run a lot more often, utilize their TE’s, throw to the backs a lot more, instead of just slinging the ball all around the field, and this style favors QB Kolb much better than McNabb
If you look at the Cardinals current Coaching Staff on Offense, Defense and Special Teams, It is comprised of all ex-coaches from the PIttsburgh Steelers and the Cardinals are changing into a Power Run and Play-Action type of Offense which suits a style of Kolb much better than McNabb whose best opportunity would be with the Minnesota Vikings in my opinion…
McNabb makes sense for a short term QB. Kolb makes sense for long term. Who knows how good McNabb would do in a new offense (but with better personnel). I mean he stunk last year but everybody stinks in Washington. his last year here (as much as people like to kill him), the team set franchise offensive records. And on the other hand, who knows if Kolb will be good at all but Kolb is probably the best bet for them. If I had to choose for 1 year between Kolb or McNabb in an offense similar to our offense, I’d take McNabb. But if I had to choose between the 2 and they both have to learn a new offense, probably Kolb at this point in their careers.
Paulman, I agree. Fitz would be the ideal WR for a QB like McNabb. Someone who can make a lot of great catches and not rely on the QB being precision perfect. But the Arizona offense seems to suit Kolb more because he can be more accurate with shorter passes. I will say though, that McNabb would benefit just as much from a power running and play action style than just lining up in shotgun and throwing 35-40 times like here with Andy. McNabb use to be money in the play action game and hitting receivers down the field. I would assume that Minny would do a lot of power running and play action with Peterson as well. But presumably it’ll still be a WCO style of play which is probably better for McNabb.
I can see McNabb wanting to play in Arizona but whats important is whether or not Arizona wants him…From all indications, from what people have said out there is that they want no part of McNabb. They could of had him last year but their actions made it clear they didn’t like his game or they would of went after him. Why would they want him now when he is just older and was terrible last year? Rex Grossman put up better stats with the same receivers when given a chance last year. To me McNabb would make the most sense going to Tenn. for 2-3 years and then retiring while their young guy develops. Other than that I don’t think there is much options out there for him unless he wants to be a backup which I highly doubt will be ok with his ego.
Not to change subject but the stuff I’m reading about brees and manning and the other players named as plaintiffs with the class action suit need to shut up and stop being such hypocrites. Those 3-4 guys are the only thing stopping a deal from being announced due to their pure greed and fake leadership qualities in trying to cut their own deals on the side. Their signatures are the only thing this deal needs. This lockout has really made me hate Brees.
just an fyi, Steven Stamkos signed a 5yr, $37.5 million contract with the Lightning.
Good move by the Lightning.. the way teams were throwing around $$$ for purely average players, to lock him up at the figure is pretty good…
His arm may cause trouble. Not his mouth and intelligence………..?And that means what for interception total. Mcnabbs mouth never got him in trouble.WTF cares what he said.As long as he led men and continued to get up after a sack. And questioning his mental is funny considering he knows more about the game then all of us ,except Paulman.
F them both…just get me something for Kolb. Sign N.A. and let Vick shred the Rams week 1. Mcnabb can play in Calgary for all i care.
To Scorp,
The Former OC In Minnesota whose name escapes me left the Vikings after last off-season and now is the OC for Seahawks (another contendor for Kolb)
They hired Bill Musgrave as the OC who is a very dynamic coach who works well with Young QB’s.. They Drafted C Ponder (too the surprise of many) and appeared want to turn it over to him right away but will rely on the strong running game and short passes to Harvin, Peterson on screens and the big plays down the field to Sydney rice.. A great situation to come to for a young QB..
88…I have begun to dislike these prima-dona fake team guys myself. HTF you gonna hold up the deal with your selfishness.Cause your deals not sweet enough?
Jerry:
Suits me just fine. I’m all for Arizona having question marks about Kolb and signing McNabb. Vick WILL get hurt during this season, and I want to have an argument with everyone on this website about who should be QB after Vick recovers from whatever injury he suffers. The Eagles will need and will utilize Kolb at QB if nothing worthwhile materializes in the trade market. No worries.
Paulman, I agree with that as well but I still think McNabb (like most QBs) benefit from a strong running game. I don’t it benefits Kolb anymore than McNabb. One of the biggest problems when McNabb was here was the lack of a running game and Andy dropping him back to throw the ball the entire game. I think Kolb is better suited than McNabb in an offense that passes more strictly because Kolb is more accurate in shorter routes. So while he may throw the ball more, he wouldn’t put up the same numbers. And he seems to be able to get rid of the ball faster than McNabb. But at the end of a day, a running game is any QBs best friend.
On one hand you say Arizona is going to a power running game which is better for Kolb but then also say Minny is the better opportunity for McNabb while at the same time point out how Minny’s new coordinator’s style of offense is better suited for a younger QB. If that’s the case, what makes Minny a better opportunity for McNabb over Arizona if they both will rely on the running game? Just wondering because your statements seem a little contradictory.
But again, a young QB benefits no more than an veteran from a good running game. The difference is a good QB is able to still be good without a running game. I see how a running game benefits and younger QB but I don’t see how it benefits them MORE.
nsidious, get outta here with the Kolb stuff. Dude will be gone. If the Eagles believe Vick is the QB for the next 3 years at least, it makes 0 sense to keep Kolb and then let him walk next year for nothing. If you want to question someone about who’s going to back up Vick, take it up with Andy because he’s the one calling the shots, not us on gcobb . com.
Scorp wheres the fantasy league at man??????
The VIkings have an experienced team (except for QB) their Skils players like Peterson,Rice,HArvin may not be able to wait 2-3-4 Seasons for a Rookie QB to develop and to take advantage of their Skills and Talents for the short-term, adding McNabb would be a great fit for them while the Rookie QB Ponders learns behind a veteran..
I agree with most of this article…but…I think Kolb makes sense at a lower asking price for the cards… like a 2nd or 3rd rounder
They should send that fat slob reid to the cards. I can’t take looking at this load.
Jerry, come on dude, McNabb is cooked. Kolb has more upside. Get rid of him already. I’m sick of hearing about him. Get the best you can & move on. Can you please write a meaningful article already! You are getting worse. McNabb!?!? JEESH!!
PETE60, we all f^@king get it, you hate Reid & you think he’s a fat slob. Dude, get over it. It is a meaningless point, that you keep bringing up, that has nothing to do with nothing, & is a moot point. Now, if you ripped his clock management, replay reviews win%, game day adjustments, & his past, horrific, personnel decisions, then you have a valid beef, no pun intended. You’re just coming off as a douchbag, a$$#@!e, hater, by making fun of the man. We’re trying to get excited for free agency & football. Go back under your rock, or just simply go away.
DDcar I dont think Mcnabb is completely “toast” The Redskins are just so bad and have a even worse personnel. I do not think they are all the blame but Its kinda like the same situation when they signed Kurt Warner a old at the time considered “washed up” player and he went there and just resurrected his career.
vricchini, I sent you the invite man. Hit my email up astuckey05 at gmail dot com.
scorpiodsu:
0 sense until the point when Vick goes down. I love Vick. Great player. He will get hurt and the readers here on gcobb.com know it. But yeah…I’ll take it up with Big Red at his weekly press conference. That’ll work.
If Vick gets hurt with any type of injury for any substantial amount of time,then they are going nowehere like most NFL teams who lose their #1 QB…
LOOK…..When everything is said and done..Kolb will be Ty Detmer. Period.
He’s not even in the sam conversation with Mcnabb and would not have been if it wasn’t for Reid picking him when we obviously needed better talent to get a good team over the top. Kolb is garbage…but if we can salvage anything from the mistake we made drafting him, I’m all for it. Mcnabb is better than Kolb but for the sake of our team getting better, I pray Arizona buys the hype. I’ll tell you this much…whoever give Kolb a new contract will be sorry…There’s many journey guys who can give you the same for less money and have a better resume. I don’t want to hear about Kolb’s upside..He is what he is..He’s not a perrenial Pro Bowl player…PERIOD
Another thing…Let’s stop with the “If Vick get hurt” line already….That can be said for any team.. If the starting quarterback gets hurt usually the team gets worse if they have to depend on a back up…Every team is in trouble if they lose the starting quarterback. That’s why the starter makes the money and there’s rules in place to protect him. Now, if the refs protect Vick like they do Manning then we’ll be alright.
Wonder if it will help if Vick goes and has “Michael Jackson” type of Surgery to lighten his skin … Wonder if some Health Company out there would pay for it as a Sponsor Fee and then Vick can tout it as a life changer….
Paulman…that would actually help Vick…think about it…Tavaris Jackson have a better resume compared to Kolb and is the same age. But I guess is tan is getting in the way of him being a hot commodity. Kolb will be ass…and it won’t matter to us because he’ll stink up the joint some place else. I hope the organization can squeeze something good out of a desperate team for Kolb. And you must be desperate if Kolb is the you’re depending on to lead a football team. Remember the hype leading up to week one last offseason? “The Gunslinger”, Accurate, quick release, hit receivers in stride…..Boy the Philadelphia media wanted the great white hype to succeed so bad. Instead of talking about how great Vick will be this year..they’re still doing Kolb peices. Well…He’s using the skin he’s in while he can.
Just read where Vick signed another endorsement deal with a Company named “Fuse Science” for Nutitional,Vitamin Supplements and also skin-color enhancements… See, I don’t just make this stuff up… Check it out …
So you think signing a 35 year old QB for 3 years at 12-15 million a year (going rate for a starting QB) is a better deal than a 27 year old? That is why the eagles picked Kolb over McNabb last year.
Dixie that’s why his ass is outta here this year..age doesn’t matter if the younger player is garbage.. That’s the point. Kolb is not a better quarterback inspite of his age..I would pay more for a “better player”…does that matter? Better player? So 27 years old means nothing if you are not good….17,27,37..who cares? This guy Kolb is not better than Mcnabb
Tavaris Jackson is a f^@king stiff, come on guys. He was given a 100 times to succeed, & choked. He is not an NFL quality QB. Please, we can’t afford take flyers on ???
When Vince Young gets released, i’d rather Reid try his QB magic with him. At least he has been somewhat successful. Just give him some psycho meds, & we’re good. Thigpen & Fitzpatrick are even better options than Jackson. Stop it already.
shhh songs just let paulman tell it so ari will give us a 1st round pick
not to many other teams will im quite sure lol
Easy PW,
I never thought or stated that Kolb would return a 1st Round Pick from any team in a trade .. I’ve stated all off-season that 2nd Rounder and a 4th Rounder or a player in return was a fair offer and that the Eagles should jump at the chance..
Look…Kolb would be gone for a bowl of Raman Noodles Beef flavored if I had a say in it. He’s really not that good and only reminds everyone of another wasted pick we were close to winning it all. He will go down as a serious mistake and will riding a bench after busting on his next team. Remember the “Young Guns” the daily news was touting? the only gun that wasn’t ready was Kolb. Reid better thank God that Vick was on the team. This Kolb guy stinks and this lockout is pissing me off ..with each day teams are now seeing what we knew. Giving up something of value for Kolb would be a big risk. Hopefully Arizona’s desperation make em jump the gun and give the Eagles something good. But who knows what they’ll do with a pick if we receive one in return.
Yumm! Raman noodles!