Obviously this is a very interesting move, especially considering a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback is being shipped within the division. Lets take a look at what the Washington Redskins might be thinking with this huge acquisition.
I have written several times that I wasnt a fan of what the Redskins are doing this offseason with their acquisitions of over-the-hill running backs. I felt that Washington -- particularly Mike Shanahan -- obviously was looking at the Redskins rebuilding project as a long-term situation. They added Band-Aid type running backs to get them through this season as they built the more crucial aspects of the offense. Then, after the line and passing game were in better shape, Washington could add the running back next offseason or even the offseason after that.
But this move does not add up with that line of thinking. Of course Shanahan could be much higher on what Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker bring to the table at this stage of their advanced careers than what I think they are capable of.
Or maybe this was just too good of an acquisition to pass up. Washingtons ownership is very aggressive and has consistently been in a win-now mode year after year. I like Jason Campbell, but I cannot argue that Donovan McNabb isn't an upgrade.
I have mixed feelings on how well McNabb fits Shanahans scheme. Shanahan stresses accuracy and great anticipatory passing. I dont consider either being McNabb's strengths. Plus, those three running backs arent big assets in the passing game and they dont have any resemblance to Brian Westbrook, whom McNabb has had as a safety valve out of the backfield for the majority of his career. But it should be noted that Shanahan doesnt require as much from his backs in the passing game as Andy Reid. There will be a learning curve.
Campbell now must be considered expendable. And if I were in Oakland's or especially Buffalos shoes, I would be extremely tempted to send this years second-round pick to the Redskins for him. If that does happen, then the Redskins would switch Campbell for McNabb at a very minor cost. In addition, it is probably safe to pencil in Oklahoma States Russell Okung as the fourth overall pick in the draft, which is something I have been in favor of since the start. If all that does work out, who could argue with this trade?
The Skins have been trying to replace Jason Campell for the last two years now and they finally did with the acquistion of Donovon McNabb. I think the Eagles did the right thing it is time for Kevin Kolb to get a chance and prove what he is got.
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No way. Skins gave up way too much for this guy. Weren't they going to draft Bradford/Clausen anyways? This is a terrible move thats going to come back to haunt them. A QB that will only be good for 2 or 3 more years for 2 young guys that might become gems. And the fact that Kolb has already proven to be a good starter makes this move even better for the Eagles.
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Fantasy
-2009 Forum Bracket Challenge Winner -2009 Wheelhouse Radio Fantasy Baseball Winner -2009 Wheelhouse Radio Fantasy Football Runner Up
What are you smoking PF? Gaines Adams wasn't drafted by the Skins, and he never played for them. Laron Landry is an exception. Also SG, you talking about when he got shot in the groin with a paintball? Because he never got shot with a real gun.
I hope the best for Donovan though. I don't care what anybody says, he got a raw deal in Philly.
After Peyton Manning and argubly Tom Brady (I say argubly because while Brady had more postseason success over the past decade but regular season wise, there isn't alot of difference between the two in my opinion) can you name another QB who's been better over the past decade?
The closest I'd say is Drew Brees. After that maybe Kurt Warner or Trent Green.
Bottom line is the guy has been the face of the Eagles franchise now for over a decade now, and he was just led out the back door in favor of some unproven rookie.
Everyone makes a big deal of the the TD to INT ratio, but I can think of a bunch of starting QB's in the NFL last year who had worse TD to INT ratio's then McNabb. Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Schaub, just to name a few. You don't hear any talk about those guys being run out of town for poor decision making.
It didn't have anything to do with stats though why Donovan was traded. Philly fans just didn't regard him as tough. Often injured, and can't win the big one equals a softy.
Forget any other reasons why the Eagles are in this situation. That would require thinking, something most of the people booing on draft day are incapable of doing. They think high school football equals the NFL.
It's much easier to just blame everything on one guy and be done with it.
Here's why the Eagles haven't been able to win the Super Bowl. The defense has been the most overated unit in the NFL for years now. (they were good coming into the decade, but since 2003 they have been an elite NFL unit in name only since then. Don't believe me, look up the stats. You'll find a good but not great unit in most years.) Also they've never had much more then an average offensive line, or an average running game.
Getting rid of Donovan McNabb isn't going to change any of that.