Does Donovan McNabb Make the Redskins a Legitimate Playoff Contender?

In a trade I boldly predicted, Donovan McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins on Sunday. The terms of the deal included the 37th overall pick in this year’s draft and either a third or fourth-rounder in next year's draft.

McNabb is a six-time Pro Bowler, has one of the best arms in the league, and is a proven winner. He’s been to five NFC Championship Games and led the Eagles to the Super Bowl in 2004.

He’s a franchise QB and the best one the 'Skins have had since Joe Theismann, but that’s not the only thing Redskins fans have to be excited about.

Shortly after the regular season ended the Redskins hired Mike Shanahan, a two-time Super Bowl winner as a head coach.  He will be the franchise’s 28th head coach and their VP of football operations.

Shanahan is an offensive guru who will rejuvenate the unit and develop potential into talent.

Tack on a defense that ranked 10th overall in yards allowed last season, along with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft, and they appear very solid on paper.

The missing ingredient essential for getting back to the playoffs is improvement to an offensive line that allowed 46 sacks last season, fourth worst in the league.

With the fourth overall selection in the draft, they could have the opportunity to draft Oklahoma State stud left tackle Russell Okung. If they do, he'll provide McNabb with adequate protection and open holes for the running game which ranked eighth in the NFL just two seasons ago.

In fact, if they improve their offensive line I think they can challenge the Dallas Cowboys for the division title, let alone a trip to the playoffs.

Whatever happens, though, one thing's for certain: This trade just made the NFC East much more enticing. We can expect cut-throat competition between the four decorated franchises, and it will be intriguing to see who ends up on top.