2010 NFL Prediction: Mapping Out the Philadelphia Eagles' Quarterback Situation

Philadelphia is in a nice situation. While the media is stirring up countless rumors about its three-headed horse at quarterback, the end result will actually be Philly getting exactly what it wants:

Its quarterback, and some picks for those "other" two guys.

Sure, it's nice to have a stockpile of three guys who can produce at a high level at one position. But it's not realistic for any team, let alone one with holes in it's defense, to stand pat and waste so much talent.

So, who stays, and who goes?

That's actually a lot easier to answer that most are letting on.  In fact, it can be summed up in one beautiful run-on sentence.

Regardless of popular opinion, the problem in Philly is not Donovan McNabb. Michael Vick was a failed one-year experiment, and as solid as Kevin Kolb was in two relief starts, he doesn't have to be the future of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Yes, McNabb is 33, in his last season of his contract and is due some big money. But it's not like the guy doesn't deserve it.

He's still playing at a high level, helped the Eagles go 11-5 and made it to the playoffs in 2009.

And what does he get for it? He gets burned at the stake by the media and fans alike, despite no help from a sulking offensive line, zero commitment to the run game and a defense that was routinely held back by it's linebackers' inability to cover in their pass defense.

The world outside of Philadelphia's brass screams for a quick solution:

Trade that aging, regressing, overrated McNabb for all you can get, ship Vick out of town for "who cares what," and give that clean-cut Kolb the throne.

Yeah, and then what? You get torched by the New Orleans Saints and beat up on teams like the Kansas City Chiefs? Hooray!

In the end, that results in an 8-8 season, especially in an ultra-competitive NFC East (and NFC overall). It's even more likely when you consider we've only seen Kolb as a starter twice in his entire career.

As for Vick? Well, let's get real. The guy is still athletic, can run, make plays and showed he still has a heck of an arm.

But he's not the guy to run this offense. It remains to be determined if he's actually ready to play 16 full games behind center and lead a franchise back into the playoffs, let alone at a mediocre level of play.

To take a chance on Vick means you don't have much to lose. As a backup last season, that's exactly what Philadelphia said by taking him in. But as a starter? Sorry, but that drink just doesn't taste as good.

Here's how it's going to happen:

McNabb may have to restructure his deal, but one way or another, he's getting an extension. He's more than likely finishing his career in a green uniform.

Despite all the rants from fans and so-called "experts," McNabb has very rarely been the problem in Philly. He is one of the few reasons why the Eagles constantly have a feared offense and competitive team.

He's not going to kill you with accuracy all day, but when he's protected properly, few are better at picking apart defenses.

Blaming him for Dallas absolutely owning the Eagles three times in 2009 is an absolute joke. Tell Andy Reid to run the ball, and then come back and tell the world how bad McNabb really is.

Verdict: McNabb is the guy for Philly. You know it, I know it, and they know it. That doesn't mean they won't listen to some offers for McNabb, but it does mean he's staying put.

Vick, on the other hand, is definitely gone. It may take some time, as Philly is undoubtedly going to play out this whole "we're totally keeping him" game until the last minute, but it's going to happen.

Cleveland and Denver are slight possibilities, but let's not be mistaken: Vick has connections in St. Louis, who needs a quarterback, plays in a dome and has literally nothing to lose.

What would the Rams give up for him? A fifth or sixth-round draft pick? Yeah, I think Steve Spagnuolo can handle that.

While Vick would be an ideal quarterback in St. Louis, Buffalo looks even more attractive, especially from Vick's perspective.

He'd be walking onto a team with better offensive talent and could probably talk Terrell Owens into returning.

Chan Gailey, Buffalo's new head coach, has an excellent history with athletic quarterbacks and could play a huge hand in revitalizing Vick's career.

Verdict: It's a bona fide toss-up. But make no mistake, Vick will have to decide between playing for the better offensive coach with a better receiving corps (Buffalo, if Owens returns), or playing in St. Louis' dome, backed by Steven Jackson.

If Owens remains in Buffalo, Vick will go north, cold weather and all. Count on it.

Now, if these two situations play out as I've predicted, that means Kolb has two options. First, he can suck it up and hope the Philadelphia fans ride McNabb out of town (or Philly doesn't extend McNabb). Or second, he can demand/ask to be traded.

I doubt it will even come to the point of Kolb "demanding" anything. The Eagles know that his value is high right now. They also know that Denver, Cleveland, Seattle and quite a few other teams would be very interested.

There's no telling what happens to Kolb's value if he enters the 2010 season as the backup, has to play, stinks it up and then wants out in 2011.

The best move here for Philly is to get what they can for a fairly unproven player, regardless of how enticing it is to keep his youth and depth.

Verdict: The pick here is going to be Denver. The Broncos could swing Kyle Orton and a pick for Kolb, giving Philly a pick and a backup quarterback. In return, Denver head coach Josh McDaniels would have a quarterback he can safely call "his guy."

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