Opinions, when it comes to Donovan McNabb trading in his Midnight Green for Redskin Burgundy, everyone has one. The most prevalent of opinions that arose from the early April move was who would get the early return in the Eagles-Redskins McNabb trade?
Well here we are, Week 9 of the NFL Regular Season, and for all intents and purposes, we are in a dead heat.
Some would say that the Eagles are the early winners, considering McNabb’s Week 8 benching, inconsistent play and the recent information regarding Head Coach Mike Shanahan’s distain for McNabb’s practice habits and inability to run the two-minute offense.
Some could argue the Skins got the best of the move thus far, beating the Eagles 17-12 in a Week 4 match-up. McNabb was hardly spectacular in the game though, relying heavily on the emergence of running back Ryan Torain and veteran Clinton Portis, but he was efficient enough to win.
However, as much as McNabb has been inconsistent, so has his heir apparent Kevin Kolb. Both McNabb and Kolb have looked good, even elite at times this season. McNabb put on a passing clinic along with Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub in their Week 2 clash that saw both signal callers go over 425 yards through the air. While Kolb lit up the Atlanta Falcons for 326 yards and 3 TDs, showing a glimpse of what Andy Reid envisioned when he handed the reins to Kolb in April.
Although there were some highlight moments for both passers, they have also looked bad at times, bench-warranting bad. The Birds luckily turned to a seemingly unknown entity in the revitalized and electric Michael Vick when Kolb was knocked out of action, where as the Redskins turned to the woefully inaccurate Rex Grossman when McNabb was pulled.
However neither move was planned.
Does that make the Eagles the winner? Does the fact that they unearthed Michael Vick from obscurity when Kolb went down?
Some would say yes.
However, the McNabb trade was facilitated for the sole reason to give Kevin Kolb a chance to start, so in that respect this trade has thus far been a failure on the part of the Eagles.
Kolb has the talent, but seems to go through spurts of either an inability to handle pressure, or being too gun shy, while McNabb’s knowledge of the offensive terminology, as well as his commitment to Shanahan’s version of the West Coast system has recently come under scrutiny.
In trading McNabb, Philadelphia acquired the 37th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, subsequently taking South Florida Free Safety Nate Allen.
Allen has been solid, showing talented glimpses of what made him a stand out at USF; turning in 31 tackles, 3 interceptions and 1 sack through 7 games, as well as being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in September. However Allen was seemingly exposed in the Eagles Week 7 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
As journeyman quarterback Kerry Collins and petulant wide receiver Kenny Britt took advantage of Allen’s inexperience; picking on Allen and cornerback Ellis Hobbs for touchdown passes of 26, 80 and 16 yards, leaving a large chuck of the Eagles collapsing loss on Allen’s shoulders.
With the good comes the bad for all rookies, and there is no reason to think Allen won’t be great one day, but this is about early returns, which make his current standings in the move a wash.
Not to look past this week’s daunting task of Peyton Manning and the Colts, but as the Skins-Birds week 10 match-up looms, it seems that both teams have yet to find an identity with the Quarterback they handed the job to in April.
So who has won the early return? Maybe it is still early to tell.
Coincidentally, in a move that created controversy and drew lines in the sand when it came to opinions and predictions, it is a safe bet to make that not many thought that, at least early on, the winner would be a push.
We would be 1-6 with McNabb at the helm. He would be 3rd string on this squad.
We might be 3-4, but we might just as easily be 5-2 or better with McNabb there. We haven’t won a single game with a strong 4th quarter comeback this year, but we are leaning more on the run game this year, which is a huge plus.
We’d probably be 4-3, because we haven’t lost many games based on who the signal caller was during the majority of the game – the exceptions perhaps being the Skins and Packers games (maybe the Titans, but I don’t think any QB would have had an easy time covering for our “Ole” defense in that game), both of which we lost.
How do you think Kolb would have done if he started for the Skins this past weekend, or if he started for us when we nearly lost to the Lions with our banged up line? Vicks mobility was huge in that game, and we still almost lost it because of our D, and the inability of the O to get anything moving steadily in the second half.
You can’t look at McNabb’s performance in a new system as an indicator of how he would play in a system he knows like the back of his hand. The drawback is that we still wouldn’t know about Kolb (we don’t yet, but at least we’re getting a better indication of his abilities), and Vick would quite possibly be riding the pine all season or acting as a Wildcat sub.
We’re the early winner in the aspect that we learned of the gem that we have in Vick, and Allen looks like a player. The Redskins are the winner in the fact that they are 2-0 in the NFC East, 4-4 overall with as many wins as they had all last year, and still are in contention for a playoff spot. If they are even with us at the end of the year, they currently hold the tie breaker.
Of course, that can change, and we have a history of coming on strong at the end of the season. Was that a product of our QB or our system?
I think you’d be hard pressed to say that not having mcnabb has hurt us at all so far. And, sure washington beat us, but you’d be equally hard pressed to say it was due to the QB play. And when you factor in Nate Allen and the other pick we get, its pretty clear at this point to me. That can change with more hindsight going forward, but now?
For the record, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how well we’ve done without McNabb, but I don’t think that statement like the first comment on here are justified (or well thought out) in any way. I think that we’ll have a better record in the end than the Skins, hopefully good enough to get in the playoffs. I think that we’re the long term winners over all, because the people who are in charge of personnel on our side are a lot less pouty than the people in DC. Shannahan will do everything in his power to ruin what’s going on over there, thank God.
I’m honestly a little worried that the NFC South may have 3 teams qualifying for the playoffs this year. The only real question mark there is sustainability in Tampa with the number of rookies getting so much playing time (good chance they’ll tire and slow down a bit towards the end of the season).
I’m sure this will be followed with the exact records of every team, what factors affect the results, and what the inside sources have to say about the conclusion of the season.
I think it’s a win-win for both clubs with the best results towards the Eagles as the Season progresses.
There is little dowubt that McNabb has helped the Redskins back to respectability,but can he lead a team with that many holes to the playoffs.. hard to say and now with the benhcing controversy..who knows what kins of impact he has down the stretch for them (or if he even plays). I do think and have stated numerous times that McNabb would most likelty only be a 1 year player for the Redskins who will not re-sign him and move into another direction after the Season
I think there is also little doubt that N Allen has solidified a very big hole and major weak spot at the Safety position for the Eagles Defense, He’s young and will make rookie mistakes,but I think most observors think that N Allen can be a solid anchoe for the Eagles Def/Secondary for the next 6-8-10 years, while most observors realize that McNabb has about 2 maybe 3 years at most left, then we have to see who the Eagles select in the 2011 Draft with the other trade pick from the Redksins (a 3rd or 4th rounder depending on how well McNabb and the Redskins do this year)
I would say 55% Eagles – 45% Redskins with momentum heavily in the Eagles direction
Birdo, you are smoking crack son! We would definitely have a better record right now with McNabb. he would have beat the Titans and Washington. We could easily be 6 -1. The reason McNabb sucks at Washington is because he has no weapons on his team. Cooley sucks balls, Torrain is awful, and his wideouts are worse than the Thrash – Stinkston days!!!
I hate that Kolb didn’t turn out like we wanted. If Vick stinks it up in the next few weeks, I think that the Eagles will draft a QB in the first two rounds next year, let Vick walk, and let the rookie compete with Kolb. If he kills it, Eagles extend Vick, trade Kolb, and still draft a qb pretty high.
Nate Allen is soft. He isnt a big hitter he instills no fear in opposing defenses. He is a avg tackler at best. He plays 20 yards off the ball and comes in and tackles recievers after the 20 yard completion. This rookie mistake argument is all well and good. But the really good ones, Shaun Taylor, Landry, Williams etc you could tell right away they were special. If you cant hit you better be able to cover. After seeing Britt make him his bitch (those long completions were Allens fault), I have no confidence in him what so ever. Hell Tim Hauck and JR Reid looked better than Allen.
daggolden, you are entitled to your opinion. But to say that Nate Allen can’t hit is a total BS myth. Kenny Britt is an extremely talented WR who definitely schooled Allen, but if you think that that was all Allen’s fault and not partially or mostly Hobb’s – YOU ARE FREAKIN CRAZY! Allen played terrible against Britt in that quarter – otherwise he was having as good of a rookie season of any of the highly touted safeties. Allen was left to cover for atrocious CB play against Britt – HOBBS EVEN SAID THAT. And everyone acknowledges that except you for some reason.
The ‘Allen can’t hit” myth has been debunked many times by two major factors – 1 – game film from his college days – and two – experts including GCOBB himself. He is not a particularly violent/hard hitter – but that’s only one job of a safety. You can give me that ‘he has to intimidate and punish’ line all day. But a safety who covers well, intercepts balls, knocks down balls, and is a sure tackler, does the complete job. Period.
You may prefer the big hitter/instills fear type of safety, but that’s not the only way to be an effective or great safety. And to say he’s soft and/or not a great prospect/solution for us at that spot, you’re judging too soon, and poorly.
Washington area sports radio stations are the big winners. McNabb is the gift that never stops giving.
Good one Greenfan…
Yesterday while Dallas Owner Jerry Jones was walking the concourse of his strangly quiet “Jerry World” stadium he stops for a moment, put his hands on a railing and looks out over the field wondering where this season will end. Just then his cell phone begins to vibrate on his hip, he checks it and it says he’s got 1 new text message.
Jerry,
Close the roof, I’ve seen enough.
God.
we would have a better record by a gm or 2
we would have definitely beat washington and i pretty sure of the titans too
would have had a better shot at washington
but we would have lost detroit game he woulda got sacked 10 times
so we would be 5-2 or so i think
To PW,
Going by your premise that with McNabb as the QB, the Eagles would still be 5-2
Who would be playing the Safety spot instead of N Allen.. Would Q Demps or M Harris amke any of those plays or Int’s that Allen has (the Lions was a huge one at the time). Would the Eagle Defense be better and keep teams to the same points with Demps or Macho playing ….
I think the 2010 Eagles Team is all-around, better team than the 2009 Team, don’t you..
i think we would be 5-2 6-1
i think the eagles d is slightly better talent wise
all around better thats hard to say cause ur gonna wanna throw dallas game in my face
but barring injuries this team isnt better and we would have had a better showing last yr vs dallas wo our whole o line hurt
so i’ll wait till playoffs of there is 1 and then i’ll have an ans for u
I’m more excited about the 2010 Eagles than the 2009 Eagles. Maybe cause 2009 has already passed. Regardless, I think I am more excited about them because Vick has turned into a YOUNG McNabb — except faster. Vick has been nearly flawless in the games he has played in. That in itself is enough to make us all confident about where this team is headed. I don’t remember the last time McNabb was “nearly flawless” in back to back games.
Positive chaatter about my Eagles, damn, I think I love you guys, as always LONG LIVE THE EAGLES
Ask yourselves this question:
As of today, would the Redskins trade McNabb back for Kolb, Allen and a 4th? In a freekin’ heartbeat they would.
You know that I’ll argue that at this moment Kolb is a much better QB than McNabb. Even if you want to argue that McNabb still “has it” the dude is 34 yrs old and has taken a hell of a pounding over the years. He’s finished. Kolb still has upside. Allen has upside – and from early indications tremendous upside. Who knows what the pick will bring.
IGreat trade for the Birds. A 10 yr safety and another pick for an old (and busted up) QB. Its a no-brainer who “won”.
Vick is more of a young Cunningham than a young McNabb.
kolb has no upside unless he’s laying down and the clipboard is above him
u’ll never see kolb so stop
and please when kolb is like a bill
dont root for kolb
say the same shit yall say bout d5 now that he’s gone
kolb is more of a kitna than a starter
upside lmao
Kolb demolished the best team in the NFC at the team (and probably still is). McNabb can’t even beat the Lions anymore. He’s finished. When Kolb is 34 and yucking it up like McNabb, I’ll say the same about him.
birdo don’t be so quick to write off McNabb. He played well the week following the benching in Baltimore, plus he has a bye week and the incentive of playing against the Eagles. The guy has an extremely passive / aggressive personality, so feeling that he has been unfairly treated, he will probably be out to prove everybody made a mistake about his play.
I would not write him off against us in his next game, but longterm, I would agree that his better days are behind him.
the best team in the nfc ?????? what lmao
can i get some of that stuff u got birdo
Atlanta is the best team in the NFC. They have all the intangibles to win and will win that division. Name one team better and give facts….not useless babble like you usually do.
I’d really love answers to this question as I believe it answers the original “who won” the trade.
Right now (again don’t flip, but we’re assessing the trade, which was made under assumption Kolb would be starter all year) Right now….which option would you take? I’d like to see the answers.
Option 1: McNabb
Option 2: Allen, a 4th and Kolb as a starter.
I’ll take option 2 every day.
Kolb is a good qb if hes given a clean pocket, no pressure and isnt asked to throw over 30 yards. Birdobeamen the Giants are hands down the best team in the NFC at this time, Eli is playing at a high level, a good running game; and a defense that brings it. I dont think Atlanta is better in any area than the Giants. The problem is that they are known for this. The Giants always peak to early and will fade by the end of the season, There superbowl year they peaked late and rode that into a SB victory.
Giants don’t scare me at all honestly. I’ve watched their games. Their secondary is suspect and their pass rush is legit, but don’t be fooled by one outrageous performance against Chicago — it isn’t the same pass rush from their superbowl year.
Andrew
Your outlook is pretty objective. Nicely written piece.
It seems apparent to me that McNabb’s best days are behind him. From that standpoint, I agree with the trade.
However, despite the lack of weapons and horrible play-calling, McNabb was a top-5 QB and the best Eagle’s QB ever. That’s quite an accomplishment.
Kolb’s career is still in front of him. Only time will tell.
For the record,
Kolb’s success against Atlanta was due in large part to play-calling (as it should be).
The Eagles ran the ball 57% of the time against Atlanta. Even if you take out the last 16 runs at the end of the game, Reid still only threw the ball 54% of the time.
In 12 years, has Reid EVER run the ball more than he threw it?
Vinnie
Ask yourself this question, would the Redskins trade a 26-year-old McNabb for Kolb?
Here’s a question.
How much success would Kolb have enjoyed without McCoy? McCoy’s been the catalyst and is clearly the offensive MVP.
grifft
I agree with your post. You made some good points.
Here’s something to consider when weighing who has won the trade so far.
One QB is the starter and the other is a back-up.
And McCoy is only the Offensive MVP because of the play calling and AR/MM running the ball more often.. It’s about balance as many have us agreed and stated about.. The toughest teams to defend against are teams that can both run and pass..
PM
I agree in large part. McCoy is also the leading receiver, which is a huge factor.
But it does begin with play-calling. It’s all about keeping teams off-balance. Reid is at his best when he’s mixing in dives, screens, sweeps, reverses, short and mid-range passes, sprinkled with the occasional bomb. Reid kept both the Falcons’ and Titans’ (1st half) defensive lines off of Kolb using this formula. Kolb was able to focus and develop a rhythm. However, once Reid started going crazy with the passes, the Titans had the youngster for lunch.
At least I think McCoy is the leading receiver. If not, he’s right up there.
We should be 7-0 with Mcnabb here.. Okay im only kidding Who fucking knows what we would be!
You shit eagles fans think too much. I was laughed at when I said the giants will win the NFC east now look we are midway thru the season and what do you know? the giants are in 1st place! hahaha oh how i love being right. I will forever love the eagle but will always hate you fucked up fans. Besides Paulman and monolith you all can suck it.
I wouldn’t want anyone cussing or calling me names for misstating a fact. Whew!!!
Jeromy Maclin is the leading WR you dumb shit
No Jeromy Maclin is you dumb shit
vricchini
If hate us so much, why are you here?
vricchini
Same to your mother.
Who is Jeromy Maclin? And you have the nerve to call someone dumb!
vricchini
McCoy has 38 receptions and “Jeremy” Maclin has 30. Obviously, a receiver would have more yardage.
Man, it didn’t take long for the trailer-park trash to come out. Whew!
vricchini
I have to admit that I’m thoroughly perplexed. In the past few days, people like you have attacked me for no apparent reason whatsoever.
Why are you so angry and resentful? Is life that bad?
Holding resentments is like going to the bathroom on yourself. You’re the only who feels it.
A little advice: Take it down a thousand and try to enjoy life.
Of course they would never trade a 26 yr old McNabb. Neither would I. But now….the deal is a no brainer, and the Birds have made out in spades.
As for the one is a starter and one isn;t….do you really believe McNabb remains the starter all year? The only thing keeping McNabb the starter is that the other choice is Grossman. Jeezus they brought in Jamarcus this week. Rightly or wrongly, its pretty clear Shanahan has no time for McNabb (and there were plenty of rumours to that effect beginning in preseason)
And your other point about Kolb benefitting from good playcalling is correct and one of the other reasons why I’m hesitant about adopting Vick. I hated last year’s feast or famine “3 and score or 3 and out” offence. I think it kills a D over the course ov the year, especially a smaller one like the Birds.
I am worried that Reid, intoxicated by Vick’s arm, is going to return to his low percentage bombs away philosophy that we’ve seen before. I don’t think its good for individual games, and over the season is detrimental.
I much preferred the offences seen when Garcia and Kolb were in there.
Oh, so you want to talk football? Cool.
I can’t predict who will or won’t be starting. I lost my crystal ball years ago. I only know that Kolb was groomed for 4 years to be the starter, but after only two games, he’s not. In fact, there’s a good possibility that he’ll be be traded at the end of the year.
When you talk about the 3-and-out offense, are you referring to what Reid did (with Kolb as his QB) in the Titans’ game? Beginning with 4 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, Reid threw the ball 77% of the time. Is that the offense you’re referring to? It seems that it doesn’t matter which QB is at the helm, Reid eventually goes crazy. He threw the ball 75% of the time with a 9-point lead to begin the 2nd half. Vick wasn’t playing.
Why do you fault the QB for the coach’s shortcomings? If Reid continues to call a good game, we should have continued success.
Kolb went 3 and out 4 consecutive times while TN was mounting it’s comeback.