The dust is starting to settle and things are cooling down. Sometimes when a major trade happens, everyone gets sucked into the minor details and what-ifs. So let’s do the opposite and take a step back and take the biggest look possible.
Here are the major pieces:
The Eagles Organization, The Redskins Organization, The Coaches, The Eagles QB’s, The Redskins QB’s, The Draft, And the Future.
The Eagles Organization-
It’s blatantly obvious that the Eagles, as a whole, are coming into a new era. The now Dawkins, Johnson, Westbrook and McNabb-less team is changing pretty quickly. They discovered gems with DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Kevin Kolb. The Eagles are getting younger, and fast. The Eagles QB, who ever it might be, will have all the tools he needs to be competitive this season.
The Redskins Organization-
The Redskins have been in a rut lately, they seem to have a lot of talent, but can never seem to pull it together. Last year they signed some big names, drafted a great rookie in Orakpo, yet still had a terrible record. But now bullet proof Jesus is on the horizon and he is ready to throw some tables over. With McNabb at the helm, he should have an immediate impact and make the Redskins a contender.
The Coaches-
No one should question the coaches in this trade. They are some of the best offensive minds in this generation, they know what they are doing. Reid had three QB’s to choose from and Shanahan had, umm, well…..none. So this trade makes sense. Reid has taken some heat for trading McNabb to a division rival, but the NFC East teams are always neck-and-neck anyway so it shouldn’t really matter. They should both have great seasons and their jobs should stay intact.
The Eagles QB’s-
The Eagles were already in a good position at QB with three on the roster. Two probowlers and one up and coming. With McNabb out, reports can make all the rumors they want about a Philly QB controversy, but it is Kolb’s job all the way. Naturally, Vick will get more playing time, but there is no way he will challenge Kolb. Kolb has a Arron Rogers like feel to him. So look for him to have a similar season as like Rogers first season as a starter. Great plays but a lot of mistakes.
The Redskins QB’s-
Before McNabb, the Redskins looked dead in the water at QB. Fans wanted Campbell out, Shanny wanted Bradford in and nobody seemed to agree. Now it appears that all controversy is busted with the arrival of McNabb. He will be a surefire starter, it’s now just a matter of who will back him up. Campbell could stick around due to his starting in the past, or Brennan could stay because he is young and could be groomed by Shanahan. But most likely only two will be on the roster by week 1.
The Draft-
It might appear that this deal will alter the draft, but that is not the case. If you check out our latest Mock Draft, http://footballnjunk.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/a-month-away-mock-draft/ , we have the Redskins taking Okung at 4 anyway. The other thing that could change the draft is the placement of Clausen. But we already had him at 7 going to Cleveland. At least from our perspective the draft won’t be strewn apart by this trade.
The Future-
Now how will the future look with this trade? Preseason? Playoffs? Next season? How will all this play out? First off, you have to remember that the Redskins only gave a second this year and a third or fourth next year. So they get to keep their number 4 pick, this would allow them to take a LT easily, to protect their new QB. They can become very successful with this formula. But there is one thing to consider. The Redskins traded their second round pick to the Eagles and Andy Reid is one of the best if not the best at picking up star players in the second round. In the past 4 years he has taken: Justice, Kolb, Jackson and McCoy in the second round. All projected starters this year. Could he draft more stars this year with two second rounders at his disposal? Most likely. Look for him to fill a void at LB and saftey with those two picks.
So in the end, who is the champion of this mega-trade?
How about both?
Both teams look like the have improved. Even if it doesn’t look like it on paper for the Eagles. Shanny has a new QB and an option to upgrade his LT at #4. Reid has a new QB and two second round picks. The actual losers in this deal might be the Cowboys and the Giants as they have to deal with the two teams each twice this year.
