Jamal Anderson's Blog – Jam's World

Eagle fans, you finally got your wish. From the day he was announced, Donavan McNabb immediately had detractors in Philadelphia.  Listen, the fans in Philly are a blessing, and a curse. We all know this.  They love hard, and they hate hard, it’s just the Philly way. I have read often that the most popular player on the Eagles roster is always the #2 QB. Tough town, indeed.  I could regal y0u all with long paragraphs about all of the things McNabb accomplished as an Eagle. The only thing die hard Eagles fans would want to read is the line detailing McNabb’s Super Bowl victory. That folks, is a line that will never be written in an Eagles uniform.

I was shocked, and apparently so was everyone else in the football world when the deal was announced. April fool’s day is on the 1st, right? When I learned McNabb was traded in the division, to the Redskins, I figured it was a joke.  As I tweeted on the day this deal was official, teams almost NEVER trade impact players in the division.  This is not just any impact player, it’s Donavan McNabb. I have since read reports about how the Eagles wanted to do right by Donavan, and I respect that. Not in a million years would I have sent him to DC.  Clearly the Redskins stepped up and made the most attractive offer. What was equally obvious was the Eagles intent to part with McNabb.

The Redskins already made a huge splash signing Mike Shanahan, now they have a quarterback.  Not just any QB, we are talking about a six time Pro Bowler, a participant in five NFC Championships. McNabb has not one the big one yet, but he has certainly won.  Any Redskin fan has to be thrilled with this trade.  I liked Jason Campbell just fine, and I am sure he would have been more successful in the right situation. Even still, Campbell is no McNabb. I am aware of the fact that the Redskins have the #4 pick in the draft. I highly doubt it, but the Redskins could still take a QB with that pick.  That would be a bigger shock than this trade, trust me. You have to ask, is there any QB coming out of college who you would choose over McNabb? I didn’t think so.

There are some who instead of embracing this trade, will talk about the potential of some of the top QB prospects in this draft.  Trust me, I get it. Build through the draft to achieve long term sustained success, I agree. But, we are talking about an established star in McNabb, who is in his prime. Even with McNabb, the Redskins problems are not solved, agreed. The most important position on the field, and most important position on the sideline, are solved. This trade has made the Redskins a team to to contend with in the NFC East.  If you look at Shanahan’s past success with another HOF (Hall OF Fame) QB, you can’t help but get excited about next season. John Elway was 34 when Shanahan was hired in Denver, McNabb is 33 now. Different team, different time, but the Redskins are hoping for the same end result!

And with the 4th pick in the NFL Draft, The Washington Redskins select…..Offensive Tackle….

Photo Courtesy of Chad Dukes

J*A*M