McNabb Trade Winners & Losers

Wow. So much going on in the world of sports. Donovan McNabb is a Redskin? We knew #5 would get traded, but to a division rival just down I-95? It's a trade that will shake the landscape of the NFL. It not only affects two of the marquee franchises in the league, but it will send echoes throughout the league and the upcoming draft. So, who are the winners and losers in the trade of Donovan McNabb?

Winners

Redskins/Mike Shanahan - Any time you can strengthen yourselves while weakening the opposition it's a good thing. The Skins are always in a win now mode, and this move is no different. Mike Shanahan also gets an Elwayesque QB (yes, the comparisons to McNabb and Elway at this point of their careers is already beginning) to try and lead the Skins to the Super Bowl... but Terrell Davis isn't walking through that door. I wouldn't be too bullish on the Redskins. They still have a triumvirate of aging backs, a weak WR corps, and a battered O-Line. It will improve Washington dramatically, but maybe not enough to get in the playoffs.

Kevin Kolb - He's the man in Philly now. Two words: good. luck. All of this for a guy who has made 2 career NFL starts? Hey, at least he's more accomplished than Charlie Whitehurst. I will say I watched Kolb's start in Week 2 against New Orleans this past season, and he can throw the pig - 31/51 for 391 yards 2TD 3 INT. It might be a rocky learning curve in a tough town to learn on the job, but Kolb has the goods. It's a good move for the Eagles because it will help long term while not crippling them in the present.

Russell Okung - If you aren't the 4th pick in the draft by the Skins, then something is wrong. This trade takes Jimmy Clausen out of the picture, and even the most amateur of draftniks knows that Washington should look towards the O-Line and Okung is the best prospect in this year's draft. Mark the first 4 picks down already - Bradford, Suh, McCoy, Okung.

JaMarcus Russell - You get another chance to be the starter in Oakland. If this report is accurate, you might have found a new way to blow your chance and be the biggest bust of all-time, literally and figuratively.

Losers

Jason Campbell - A guy that never really got a fair shake in Washington. Campbell has had system upon system and coach upon coach laid upon him in DC and never found success. A bad Easter Sunday for JC, who now might have to resurrect his career somewhere else. A change of scenery would be best for Campbell, but I don't know if he'll ever be a great QB. His career record is 15-39 and his QB rating is a mediocre 82.3. He may be traded this offseason, hard to see him sit behind McNabb for an extended period of time.

The Reid/McNabb Era - The Reid/McNabb Era ends after 11 years in Philly. Can you believe it was that long?? And yet, it ends without a championship. Reid has a 108-67 record in Philly, 1 Super Bowl appearance, and 5 NFC Championship Game appearances with #5 at QB. McNabb is arguably a borderline Hall of Famer considering his run in Philly. Its longevity and amount of success is remarkable considering the parity in the NFL. But, the Reid/McNabb Era will be known for its failure to win big games - 0-1 in SB, 1-4 in NFC Champ. History will no doubt view Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb together, for better and worse.

Jimmy Clausen - Sorry boy wonder. You're the odd man out now come draft day. With Clausen not going at #4 to a QB obsessed Mike Shanahan, the brash Notre Dame triggerman might start a slide down draft boards. Unless Buffalo, Cleveland, or Jacksonville take Clausen in the Top 10 (unlikely considering each situation and their draft history) - he might fall to the bottom third of R1. Can't you picture Tim Tebow trying to settle down Clausen throwing temper tantrums in the green room during the 1st Round? Now that'd be great TV.

Philly Fans - But, the ultimate losers are Philly fans themselves. First, because they booed #5 from Day 1 and never embraced McNabb for any number of reasons. Forget the title of this video, this was idiocy at its best.

Second, because Philly never appreciated how good they had it. Now that he's gone, Philly fans are celebrating? This report claims 70% of Eagles fans calling in to talk radio in the Iladelph are happy with trading McNabb. Hopefully, poetic justice can be served and McNabb squashes the Eagles at the Linc next season to a chorus of boos that he heard his entire career. The way McNabb was treated in Philly was disgraceful. It was Philly fans at their worst. Nothing against Kevin Kolb, but if the Eagles can't crack .500 for the next decade - then Philly fans will get a team worthy of their treatment. And yes, it's just another excuse for me to share with you the picture below.