Donovan McNabb was the second overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft.  That draft was considered “the best quarterback draft” with the likes of Tim Couch (first pick), Donovan McNabb (second pick), Akili Smith (third pick), Daunte Culpepper (11th pick), and Cade McNown (12th pick). Out of those five quarterbacks, Donovan McNabb and Daunte Culpepper were the only two to become Pro Bowl quarterbacks and have successful careers.

McNabb started his first game Nov. 14, 1999 and led the beloved Eagles to a 35-28 win over the division rival Washington Redskins. In his first full season as an NFL starter, McNabb finished second in MVP voting to St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk. From that point on, McNabb, Andy Reid, and the Eagles organization were winners.

McNabb led the Eagles to four consecutive NFC East championships (2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004), five NFC championship games (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2008), and one Superbowl. He is a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2009). McNabb is the Eagle’s all-time leader in career wins, pass attempts, completions, yards, and passing touchdowns. He is undoubtedly a top 10 quarterback in the league and in my opinion, if he were to ever win a Superbowl, a Hall of Fame quarterback. Some may disagree, but with career NFL statistics such as 216 TDs, 100 INTs, 32,873 passing yards, QB rating of 86.5, and his winning record, it is hard to make a sound argument against.

Now, having said all of that, it is time to say goodbye to Donovan McNabb, and time to say hello to Kevin Kolb. Many may say why: “McNabb is a proven quarterback”; “He just needs more weapons and a better offensive line”; “It is not McNabb’s fault, it is Andy Reid’s play-calling that keeps the Eagles from winning the big game”; and “We don’t know what Kolb is capable of”.

Yes, McNabb has proven himself as a quarterback. Just look at all the accolades written in the beginning of this article.  At certain points in his career McNabb has needed weapons, especially earlier in his career. But over and over again when he has had weapons (Terrell “It is all about me” Owens, Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, and the other young weapons now on the Eagles), he still came up short, he still threw the football at the wide receivers feet, behind them, over them, and I think you get the point. In the Super Bowl against the Patriots, McNabb threw three interceptions (two in Patriots territory) and while down a touchdown, in the last minutes of the game—McNabb vomited in the huddle. What, are you nervous McNabb?

McNabb, even with weapons, is not known for comebacks when trailing going into the fourth quarter, McNabb is 2-for-22 (9.1%). When it comes to who is to blame, I blame the whole team and organization. Football is a team sport, but your quarterback is supposed to be your leader. He is supposed to be the go-to player when it is crunch time. A great quarterback is supposed to take over the game when it is needed. A great quarterback is someone who throws the football away on a final drive instead of forcing the throw (interception to end the game) or holding the football too long (sack).

McNabb is not that type of player. Over and over again when the team came up big it was our defense, not our quarterback, with amazing plays in the final minutes or at any time during the game. When the Eagles were contending for a Super Bowl (I don’t just mean winning 10 games and making the playoffs), their defense was ranked in the top five.

We have had twelve great years watching McNabb and the Eagles be competitive and win games. But sometimes you just need to start over. Time to start fresh, especially when your team is becoming consistently younger and younger. It is time to give Kevin Kolb a chance to prove himself. Time to give Kolb a chance to grow with and lead this young Eagles team. McNabb has maybe four or five years left in his career, while Kolb can (hopefully will be) be the quarterback for the Eagles franchise for the next decade.

Last season when Kolb had the chance to start, he showed potential and performed well. Kolb became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 300 yards in their first two career starts. He was named NFC offensive player of the week in the Week Three win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Recently, there have been rumors that the Seahawks have been contacting the Eagles nonstop, interested in either Kolb or McNabb. Today, March 11, it has been reported that the Seahawks are only interested in Kolb. It would be a huge mistake to trade Kolb. The Eagles organization needs to move on. They need to think about being more than just a competitive team. The Cowboys are making noise in the NFC East and are now considered contenders. If the Eagles have done anything in the last few years, it was nothing more than sitting still while the Cowboys ran full steam ahead. This is also true for the Giants, who had a subpar 2009 season, but have a young quarterback in Eli Manning, who has proven he can win the big game.

Tony Romo is 29 years old, Eli Manning is 29 years old, Kolb is 25 years old, and McNabb is 33 years old. You may be thinking Romo, Manning, and McNabb are not many years apart. That is true. But McNabb has had an injury-prone career and has been a full-time starter for 11 seasons out of 12. He has taken a beating throughout the years. In comparison, Manning has only been a full-time start for four years and Romo has been a full-time starter for two years.

This is important because if the Eagles are to keep pace with the Giants and Cowboys they are going to need a quarterback at the helm for the next eight to 10 years. Barring a serious injury to either Romo or Manning, expect those two quarterbacks to be quarterbacking their respective teams for the next eight to 10 years, while McNabb has at the most five years left in his career. If McNabb is to stay under center with the Eagles, be prepared for subpar years filled with disappointment.

It is imperative the Eagles trade McNabb and go with Kolb at quarterback if they want to stay competitive for the next eight to 10 years, as they have been the past 11 years with McNabb under center.