|
News and Analysis:
4/08/2010
4/08/2010
| |||||||
Washington Trades for Donovan McNabb - A Detailed Analysis: 4/8/2010
"Block buster" trades, especially those involving franchise quarterbacks are rare in the NFL. However, the last
two seasons have proven otherwise. In 2009, the Denver Broncos traded away franchise quarterback, Jay
Cutler to the Chicago Bears. The move was considerably costly for Chicago, as they gave up two first round
draft picks, plus additional compensation. See Article: Veterans vs. Draft Picks.
A similar trade (with less compensation) transpired between the Philadelphia Eagles
and the Washington Redskins, where the Redskins traded their 2nd round draft pick
(37th overall) for McNabb and a potential 3rd or 4th round pick in 2011. This move was
very surprising, yet almost anticipated at the same time. Reason being, the Eagles
allowed Donovan McNabb to stay within their division: NFC East. Additionally, at age 33,
McNabb has proven to be a top tier QB in the NFL and a perennial Hall of Famer.
Yes, the move makes sense. McNabb was due a roster bonus of #3.5M. Additionally,
the Eagles have two serviceable quarterbacks on the roster in: Kolb and Vick. Kolb, a
second round draft choice in 2008, played admirably while McNabb was sidelined with
injury. During that time, Kolb led the Eagles to a 1-1 record and threw for the following stats:
55 Att/85 Comp - 718 yards - 4TD - 3INT - 96.9 Rating: 1 Rush TD
Taking a look at the history of the draft and players selected 37th overall since 2000:
2000 = Travis Claridge
2001 = Idrees Bashir
2002 = Andre Gurode
2003 = Jonathan Stinchcomb
2004 = Teddy Lehman
2005 = Shaun Cody
2006 = Jimmy Williams
2007 = Eric Weddle
2008 = Curtis Lofton
2009 = Alphonso Smith
The list is rather unimpressive. If history repeats
itself which it has for the past 10 years, than the
Redskins did not sacrifice too much. After all,
Donovan McNabb is far and away better than any
player listed above and any quarterback prospect
that may be available at the 37th pick.
Reasons why McNabb will succeed in Washington:
1) Mike Shananan and his of history coaching older, veteran quarterbacks: i.e. John Elway
2) An established running game - more than what he had in Philadelphia. 60% of the offense revolved around
the passing game. This will not be the case in Washington.
3) Familiarity with the division/conference coupled with a new determination to win. It was a shock that the
Eagles allowed McNabb to stay within division, let alone conference. He is familiar with the teams and players
and will use that to his advantage.
4) Experience in a West Coast offensive system.
5) McNabb often targeted his tight ends. Coming to Washington, he has two very capable targets in Chris
Cooley and Fred Davis.
Reason why McNabb will fail in Washington:
1) No quarterback can be successful behind the current offensive line unit. The Redskins have one legitimate
starter (Rabach) and one starter out of position (Hicks).
2) Santana Moss is not the game-breaker Deshaun Jackson is - the Philly receivers in general are better than
the Washington receivers.
3) A lot of McNabb's success came from the "dink-and-dunk" passes/screens to Brian Westbrook. The
Redskins do not have a running back with Westbrook's receiving ability.
Who wins in the trade: Washington or Philadelphia?
Case for Washington:
1) The trade gives Washington/Shanahan a veteran QB and addresses an overdue need/upgrade at the
quarterback position.
2) Trading for McNabb relieves pressure for the franchise to draft a rookie quarterback and concentrate on a
more immediate need - the offensive line.
3) As previously mentioned, the 37th pick is high, but it does not have an impressive track record. McNabb's
experience and leadership is valued more than a 2nd round draft pick.
Case for Philadelphia:
1) The Eagles gain the 37th overall pick, which is practically an additional first round choice. The added pick
always Philly to add depth and youth to much needed positions.
2) The franchise is getting younger and utilizing their crop of young players on the rise - Kevin Kolb should be
able to provide a high level of productivity as a starter.
3) Building your franchise through the draft and for the future is a successful business model. Youth, depth
and development are key components to championship quality teams.
To conclude, both franchises found a way better their teams. Although cliché it represents a true win-win
situation. However, given the disparity and NEED for the Redskins to finally acquire a capable quarterback,
the edge is provided to Washington. McNabb is only 33. Looking around the league, several of the more
productive quarterbacks are in their 30's: Favre (40), Manning (34), Brady (32), and Brees (31). This season
will be a huge indicator of McNabb's ability as he continues to make a case for his Hall-of-Fame career. Can
he be productive outside of Philadelphia? Without Andy Reid? The 2010 season will have a lot of focus on
McNabb's transition and performance in Washington. Hopefully he is able to continue his success.
- Draft Huddle
"Block buster" trades, especially those involving franchise quarterbacks are rare in the NFL. However, the last
two seasons have proven otherwise. In 2009, the Denver Broncos traded away franchise quarterback, Jay
Cutler to the Chicago Bears. The move was considerably costly for Chicago, as they gave up two first round
draft picks, plus additional compensation. See Article: Veterans vs. Draft Picks.
A similar trade (with less compensation) transpired between the Philadelphia Eagles
and the Washington Redskins, where the Redskins traded their 2nd round draft pick
(37th overall) for McNabb and a potential 3rd or 4th round pick in 2011. This move was
very surprising, yet almost anticipated at the same time. Reason being, the Eagles
allowed Donovan McNabb to stay within their division: NFC East. Additionally, at age 33,
McNabb has proven to be a top tier QB in the NFL and a perennial Hall of Famer.
Yes, the move makes sense. McNabb was due a roster bonus of #3.5M. Additionally,
the Eagles have two serviceable quarterbacks on the roster in: Kolb and Vick. Kolb, a
second round draft choice in 2008, played admirably while McNabb was sidelined with
injury. During that time, Kolb led the Eagles to a 1-1 record and threw for the following stats:
55 Att/85 Comp - 718 yards - 4TD - 3INT - 96.9 Rating: 1 Rush TD
Taking a look at the history of the draft and players selected 37th overall since 2000:
2000 = Travis Claridge
2001 = Idrees Bashir
2002 = Andre Gurode
2003 = Jonathan Stinchcomb
2004 = Teddy Lehman
2005 = Shaun Cody
2006 = Jimmy Williams
2007 = Eric Weddle
2008 = Curtis Lofton
2009 = Alphonso Smith
The list is rather unimpressive. If history repeats
itself which it has for the past 10 years, than the
Redskins did not sacrifice too much. After all,
Donovan McNabb is far and away better than any
player listed above and any quarterback prospect
that may be available at the 37th pick.
Reasons why McNabb will succeed in Washington:
1) Mike Shananan and his of history coaching older, veteran quarterbacks: i.e. John Elway
2) An established running game - more than what he had in Philadelphia. 60% of the offense revolved around
the passing game. This will not be the case in Washington.
3) Familiarity with the division/conference coupled with a new determination to win. It was a shock that the
Eagles allowed McNabb to stay within division, let alone conference. He is familiar with the teams and players
and will use that to his advantage.
4) Experience in a West Coast offensive system.
5) McNabb often targeted his tight ends. Coming to Washington, he has two very capable targets in Chris
Cooley and Fred Davis.
Reason why McNabb will fail in Washington:
1) No quarterback can be successful behind the current offensive line unit. The Redskins have one legitimate
starter (Rabach) and one starter out of position (Hicks).
2) Santana Moss is not the game-breaker Deshaun Jackson is - the Philly receivers in general are better than
the Washington receivers.
3) A lot of McNabb's success came from the "dink-and-dunk" passes/screens to Brian Westbrook. The
Redskins do not have a running back with Westbrook's receiving ability.
Who wins in the trade: Washington or Philadelphia?
Case for Washington:
1) The trade gives Washington/Shanahan a veteran QB and addresses an overdue need/upgrade at the
quarterback position.
2) Trading for McNabb relieves pressure for the franchise to draft a rookie quarterback and concentrate on a
more immediate need - the offensive line.
3) As previously mentioned, the 37th pick is high, but it does not have an impressive track record. McNabb's
experience and leadership is valued more than a 2nd round draft pick.
Case for Philadelphia:
1) The Eagles gain the 37th overall pick, which is practically an additional first round choice. The added pick
always Philly to add depth and youth to much needed positions.
2) The franchise is getting younger and utilizing their crop of young players on the rise - Kevin Kolb should be
able to provide a high level of productivity as a starter.
3) Building your franchise through the draft and for the future is a successful business model. Youth, depth
and development are key components to championship quality teams.
To conclude, both franchises found a way better their teams. Although cliché it represents a true win-win
situation. However, given the disparity and NEED for the Redskins to finally acquire a capable quarterback,
the edge is provided to Washington. McNabb is only 33. Looking around the league, several of the more
productive quarterbacks are in their 30's: Favre (40), Manning (34), Brady (32), and Brees (31). This season
will be a huge indicator of McNabb's ability as he continues to make a case for his Hall-of-Fame career. Can
he be productive outside of Philadelphia? Without Andy Reid? The 2010 season will have a lot of focus on
McNabb's transition and performance in Washington. Hopefully he is able to continue his success.
- Draft Huddle
