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Earlier this week, the Donovan McNabb era officially ended in Philadelphia.
The trade with the rival Washington Redskins left many scratching their heads. Why would you trade a six-time Pro Bowl selection who led the Philadelphia Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance over 11 seasons? Why would you trade away the franchise quarterback who departs with several team marks including passing yards (32,873), completion percentage (59.0) and touchdown passes (216)?
Because it was time.
Yes, the Birds won 11 games last season and made the playoffs, but the most recent lasting memory is the embarrassing 34-14 Wild Card loss to the Dallas Cowboys. With the 2010 season being the final year of his contract, the organization could’ve easily decided to make one more run and everybody would’ve been happy. But this way — even though McNabb is staying in the NFC East — the team has assured itself of getting some value in the form of two draft picks. It also gives coach Andy Reid a full season to see if Kevin Kolb has what it takes to be an NFL starting quarterback. Like McNabb, the fourth-year player from the University of Houston is entering the final year of his contract.
The McNabb trade is just the latest in a series of off-season moves that has the team restocking their roster for the upcoming season. Gone are the injury prone Brian Westbrook and Shawn Andrews, who like McNabb, were once Pro Bowl selections. Cornerback Sheldon Brown, who had spent eight seasons in Philadelphia, also departed via trade.
With a stockpile of picks in this month’s NFL Draft, the Eagles can take the next step in their restocking plan.
It includes making the playoffs again next winter.
But will they?
Either way, the time for change is now.
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