That could have been a move that set the team up for an extended Super Bowl run in retrospect. Trade McNabb for a haul - likely two firsts and more, and dump his contract and baggage. He was never the same after that Super Bowl anyway. Draft Aaron Rodgers and find a stopgap like Jeff Garcia for a couple of years. Give T.O. his money and glory. Howie might have jumped all over a move like this if he was the GM back then.

It's a fantastic what-if. No one expected Mcnabb's best football to be behind him at 28 after his break out SB season. His track record under stress on the biggest stage was a serious problem after the SB, and that was a fair criticism hinting at a ceiling for him at that point. Still, that trade was never happening. But if it did?

TO would have exploded. He already exploded with Jeff Garcia once. Unless the Eagles immediately found a pro-bowl QB, which would not have happened, TO would have found his way out of town sooner rather than later. Then they'd have a few extra first round picks in an era when AR really only knew how to draft OL.

I think AR, the OL, the TEs and running game made Mcnabb far more than the other way around. But a veteran, battle tested NFL QB is still a safety net over a revolving door. I think things would have collapsed sooner if that trade happens.

McNabb definitely made the situation worse with his loser reactions to TO's childish behavior but TO's problems were with the FO. If the FO worked with him and came to an agreement, I think McNabb and TO could have coexisted.

TO played a SB with 1 1/2 legs and still had 100+ yards on a terrible day by McNabb. Its not the level of Snider destroying the Flyers by not paying Hextall or McCrimmon but it was a bad decision to not give TO a bump in pay.

8 hours ago, eagle45 said:

It's a fantastic what-if. No one expected Mcnabb's best football to be behind him at 28 after his break out SB season. His track record under stress on the biggest stage was a serious problem after the SB, and that was a fair criticism hinting at a ceiling for him at that point. Still, that trade was never happening. But if it did?

TO would have exploded. He already exploded with Jeff Garcia once. Unless the Eagles immediately found a pro-bowl QB, which would not have happened, TO would have found his way out of town sooner rather than later. Then they'd have a few extra first round picks in an era when AR really only knew how to draft OL.

I think AR, the OL, the TEs and running game made Mcnabb far more than the other way around. But a veteran, battle tested NFL QB is still a safety net over a revolving door. I think things would have collapsed sooner if that trade happens.

Replace TEs with WRs and that's pretty much what people now think about Hurts.

McNabb was an odd one. He never got over the boos on draft day because Eagles fans wanted Ricky Williams (even though McNabb was 100% the right pick at that spot). But he seemed to carry that with him his entire career.

There was the whole Super Bowl barf-gate and being unable to handle the TO situation. The constant worm-burners. His perpetual smiling after bad plays. Dancing coming out of the tunnel before a playoff game in Dallas in which we got destroyed. Not knowing games could end in a tie. Pissing off his defensive teammates at times by inferring the defense couldn't make a big stop in a few big games.

All that said, I still think he did more with less if we were to compare him to Hurts. If Hurts only had WRs Trash and Stinkston, no way we'd have a SB LIX ring.

TO would've just ended up in the same position and he would've forced his way out of Philly by being a cancer. Immense talent, terrible teammate. I hated the signing because I already knew he was going to eventually go nuclear and be a disruption, but I did enjoy that 2004 season and I even rooted for him. Then the real TO showed up, he got released, and then he went and cried for Tony Romo. Owens is a joke.

thats a good take. at the time I sided with Donovan and thought to myself "why cant TO just shut up and play" but now that I'm older I shouldve seen that coming from a mile away. TO was a special player and if McNabb could've just buried his ego, we wouldve been a very powerful team.

I did always hate the way McNabb was so non chalant about things and his constant short to mid accuarcy problems though. if he really dedicated himself to the game I think he wouldve been considered elite

6 hours ago, EaglesAddict said:

McNabb was an odd one. He never got over the boos on draft day because Eagles fans wanted Ricky Williams (even though McNabb was 100% the right pick at that spot). But he seemed to carry that with him his entire career.

There was the whole Super Bowl barf-gate and being unable to handle the TO situation. The constant worm-burners. His perpetual smiling after bad plays. Dancing coming out of the tunnel before a playoff game in Dallas in which we got destroyed. Not knowing games could end in a tie. Pissing off his defensive teammates at times by inferring the defense couldn't make a big stop in a few big games.

All that said, I still think he did more with less if we were to compare him to Hurts. If Hurts only had WRs Trash and Stinkston, no way we'd have a SB LIX ring.

People make much of the fact that during most of McNabb's time with the Eagles, he didn't have top talent at WR. The two times he did have elite talent - TO and DJax - he alienated the receivers. Same with Freddie Mitchell, Reggie Brown.

And it's not like he didn't have good support - BWest, Chad Lewis - and always behind a top tier OL with All-Pro talent at both tackles, and top notch play and talent in the interior.

1 hour ago, Procus said:

People make much of the fact that during most of McNabb's time with the Eagles, he didn't have top talent at WR. The two times he did have elite talent - TO and DJax - he alienated the receivers. Same with Freddie Mitchell, Reggie Brown.

And it's not like he didn't have good support - BWest, Chad Lewis - and always behind a top tier OL with All-Pro talent at both tackles, and top notch play and talent in the interior.

The first time he got an elite WR we went to the SB. Hurts has enjoyed a much better "team" than McNabb did. But yes, McNabb also had good team pieces as well. Even with all the things that frustrated me about McNabb, I'd consider him a better all around QB (talent-wise) over Hurts.

2 hours ago, SinCityEaglesFan2 said:

thats a good take. at the time I sided with Donovan and thought to myself "why cant TO just shut up and play" but now that I'm older I shouldve seen that coming from a mile away. TO was a special player and if McNabb could've just buried his ego, we wouldve been a very powerful team.

I did always hate the way McNabb was so non chalant about things and his constant short to mid accuarcy problems though. if he really dedicated himself to the game I think he wouldve been considered elite

TO being disgruntled had zero to do with McNabb's ego, lol. He was upset at McNabb because he didn't go to bat for him with the FO regarding his contract. He was salty because McNabb went to bat for Westbrook getting an extension but wouldn't do so to have them restructure TO's contract and pay him more. In truth, TO is an idiot for expecting him to do that. Let's not forget, TO ALSO got released by Dallas due to being a disruption. To this day Donovan lives in his head rent free.

1 hour ago, EaglesAddict said:

The first time he got an elite WR we went to the SB. Hurts has enjoyed a much better "team" than McNabb did. But yes, McNabb also had good team pieces as well. Even with all the things that frustrated me about McNabb, I'd consider him a better all around QB (talent-wise) over Hurts.

I agree, except when the heat is on at crunchtime during the spotlight, I'd rather have Hurts in that situation than McNabb.

3 hours ago, SinCityEaglesFan2 said:

thats a good take. at the time I sided with Donovan and thought to myself "why cant TO just shut up and play" but now that I'm older I shouldve seen that coming from a mile away. TO was a special player and if McNabb could've just buried his ego, we wouldve been a very powerful team.

I did always hate the way McNabb was so non chalant about things and his constant short to mid accuarcy problems though. if he really dedicated himself to the game I think he wouldve been considered elite

TO is in the Hall of Fame. McNabb is not. TO was McNabb's ticket to the HOF. McNabb failed to get that ticket punched.

Would have been the right call.

In no way did McNabb ever do more than Hurts. Its just what loser say about winners when their guy is a loser.

The Rams were absolutely LOADED in 2021 and Stafford wet the bed. He put the ball into the chest of Jaquiski.

That Jaquiski dropped it meant that 2 players completely sucked on that play.

The 2025 Rams were absolutely loaded and Stafford could not stop fumbling or throwing the ball at the other team.

That is a classic did less with more guy.

McNabb is a career joke. The only people who think he was great are national media types who only saw the highlights and ignored the Super Bowl and weirdo Eagles fans who like losing with teams that should win. Those AR teams were absolutely loaded rosters.

That Herbert loser had 4 picks all year in 2024. He then had 4 in a playoff game.

His team was good enough for him to play in a system with very few turnovers but Herbert then sucked when it counted most.

That loser McNabb only had 8 picks in 17 games in 2004 and then 3 in the Super Bowl.

His team was better than the Patriots but Brady was not garbage and McNabb was.

It wasn't imaginary video. It wasn't Pinkston and TO who combined for 204 yards.

You can watch that loser throw the ball pick - do over - pick as much as you want. It never gets above Grade Z historic awful.

You can watch him aim for Levens over the middle and sail it 2 feet over him and into Bruschi's chest.

The other 10 guys on those plays were good enough. McNabb was 💩

You can watch him throw a pick into the chest of a Packer in the end zone AFTER 4th and 26. Only luck saved that game from a moron.

Mitchell had a 70 yard kick return to start the RONDE! game.

McNabb threw the next play to Duce for 6 yards.

Staley ran for a 20 yard TD on the following play.

McNabb led the team to 3 whole points with a pick 6 the rest of the way.

He was GARBAGE!

McNabb won 9 games and had 1 tie with passer ratings under 60. 20 wins under 70 rating.

He sucked regularly but his elite team carried him.

The Westbrook punt return game was just dreadful QB play.

Hurts won 0 with ratings below 60 and 4 below 7.

Hurts had 6 rushing TDs in those 4. McNabb had 5 in his 20.

In 2002, 2005, and 2006. McNabb missed 6, 7, and 6 games.

The team was 16-13 with McNabb and 12-7 without him.

That's a huge sample and Feely, Koy, Garcia at 36, and McMahon were not special QBs by any stretch.

Garcia was 3-7, 1-4, 8-5, and 6-5 in the 2 years before and after 2006.

He went 5-1 in Philly because coaching, system, and talent were perfect for QBs who did not routinely choke.

Outside of a very good 2000 where he carried the offense, McNabb was just a good player on a bunch of elite teams.

Give him credit for 2004 as well and he now has the same credit as Wentz for 2017 and 2019.

Then he wet the bed in the playoffs over and over again.

He was a 2 to 1 TD to INT QB regular season and a 1.41 to 1 playoff QB. He did not have what it takes.

He had 28 combo TDs to 25 turnovers. 🤡💩

Hurts has a 2.44 to 1 TD to INT regular season and 3.67 to 1 in the playoffs. That is greatness.

Hurts has 21 combo TDs to 4 turnovers. Again, GREATNESS.

You put 100s of QBs in their prime on those teams instead of McNabb and they do better.

You put Hurts in his prime on those teams and they have 3 or 4 rings.

Randall has 1 or 2.

Truly awful coaching, talent, and system describes most of Randall's Eagles offense.

I think Randall does better in McNabb's place and McNabb falls apart in Randall's place.

SB Champion Jim McMahon got a series instead of Randall in the playoffs. He went 0 for 3 in that Kotite offense.

Vick got a series when McNabb wet the bed - danced - and wet the bed vs Dallas in 2009. He threw a long TD.

33 minutes ago, SkippyX said:

The 2025 Rams were absolutely loaded and Stafford could not stop fumbling or throwing the ball at the other team.

That is a classic did less with more guy.

He had the same interception percentage as Hurts, while throwing 140 more passes. Higher YPA and less sacks while throwing 140 more passes.

33 minutes ago, SkippyX said:

In no way did McNabb ever do more than Hurts. Its just what loser say about winners when their guy is a loser.

The Rams were absolutely LOADED in 2021 and Stafford wet the bed. He put the ball into the chest of Jaquiski.

That Jaquiski dropped it meant that 2 players completely sucked on that play.

The 2025 Rams were absolutely loaded and Stafford could not stop fumbling or throwing the ball at the other team.

That is a classic did less with more guy.

McNabb is a career joke. The only people who think he was great are national media types who only saw the highlights and ignored the Super Bowl and weirdo Eagles fans who like losing with teams that should win. Those AR teams were absolutely loaded rosters.

That Herbert loser had 4 picks all year in 2024. He then had 4 in a playoff game.

His team was good enough for him to play in a system with very few turnovers but Herbert then sucked when it counted most.

That loser McNabb only had 8 picks in 17 games in 2004 and then 3 in the Super Bowl.

His team was better than the Patriots but Brady was not garbage and McNabb was.

It wasn't imaginary video. It wasn't Pinkston and TO who combined for 204 yards.

You can watch that loser throw the ball pick - do over - pick as much as you want. It never gets above Grade Z historic awful.

You can watch him aim for Levens over the middle and sail it 2 feet over him and into Bruschi's chest.

The other 10 guys on those plays were good enough. McNabb was 💩

You can watch him throw a pick into the chest of a Packer in the end zone AFTER 4th and 26. Only luck saved that game from a moron.

Mitchell had a 70 yard kick return to start the RONDE! game.

McNabb threw the next play to Duce for 6 yards.

Staley ran for a 20 yard TD on the following play.

McNabb led the team to 3 whole points with a pick 6 the rest of the way.

He was GARBAGE!

McNabb won 9 games and had 1 tie with passer ratings under 60. 20 wins under 70 rating.

He sucked regularly but his elite team carried him.

The Westbrook punt return game was just dreadful QB play.

Hurts won 0 with ratings below 60 and 4 below 7.

Hurts had 6 rushing TDs in those 4. McNabb had 5 in his 20.

In 2002, 2005, and 2006. McNabb missed 6, 7, and 6 games.

The team was 16-13 with McNabb and 12-7 without him.

That's a huge sample and Feely, Koy, Garcia at 36, and McMahon were not special QBs by any stretch.

Garcia was 3-7, 1-4, 8-5, and 6-5 in the 2 years before and after 2006.

He went 5-1 in Philly because coaching, system, and talent were perfect for QBs who did not routinely choke.

Outside of a very good 2000 where he carried the offense, McNabb was just a good player on a bunch of elite teams.

Give him credit for 2004 as well and he now has the same credit as Wentz for 2017 and 2019.

Then he wet the bed in the playoffs over and over again.

He was a 2 to 1 TD to INT QB regular season and a 1.41 to 1 playoff QB. He did not have what it takes.

He had 28 combo TDs to 25 turnovers. 🤡💩

Hurts has a 2.44 to 1 TD to INT regular season and 3.67 to 1 in the playoffs. That is greatness.

Hurts has 21 combo TDs to 4 turnovers. Again, GREATNESS.

You put 100s of QBs in their prime on those teams instead of McNabb and they do better.

You put Hurts in his prime on those teams and they have 3 or 4 rings.

Randall has 1 or 2.

Truly awful coaching, talent, and system describes most of Randall's Eagles offense.

I think Randall does better in McNabb's place and McNabb falls apart in Randall's place.

SB Champion Jim McMahon got a series instead of Randall in the playoffs. He went 0 for 3 in that Kotite offense.

Vick got a series when McNabb wet the bed - danced - and wet the bed vs Dallas in 2009. He threw a long TD.

That, and once he signed the big contract, he became another entitled a-hole. Which is why I maintain that trading him after the SB loss when he had peak value would have been the right move. Roster could have been re-loaded and a better QB could have been drafted as his long term replacement.

31 minutes ago, Lambo said:

He had the same interception percentage as Hurts, while throwing 140 more passes. Higher YPA and less sacks while throwing 140 more passes.

Watch the playoff games play by play. Throws at defenders dropped and fumbles that bounced to his own team.

He sucked, got lucky as hell, and still could not get to the SB.

Dude played 8-9 Carolina even and may have been swept if they did not get 2 big injuries late.

6 turnover worthy plays in 3 games.

37 minutes ago, Procus said:

That, and once he signed the big contract, he became another entitled a-hole. Which is why I maintain that trading him after the SB loss when he had peak value would have been the right move. Roster could have been re-loaded and a better QB could have been drafted as his long term replacement.

Could you imagine Hurts demanding more money after getting benched for poor performance?

McNabb did that after 2008

6 TDs and 6 turnovers in the 2008 playoffs and he needed a raise.

What did the Eagles get for that raise? 7 points in 2 playoff games and a dance vs Dallas over 7 days in January 2010.

The reality is: Hurts is the anti McNabb. Plays his best when it matters most.

14 hours ago, Procus said:

I agree, except when the heat is on at crunchtime during the spotlight, I'd rather have Hurts in that situation than McNabb.

Yeah, good point. Hurts' best games have come on the biggest stage while McNabb was puking in the huddle, lol. Ugh.

28 minutes ago, EaglesAddict said:

Yeah, good point. Hurts' best games have come on the biggest stage while McNabb was puking in the huddle, lol. Ugh.

True, he definitely didn't have his best game. I'll always look back on that game and wonder if it would've played out differently had TO been 100% in that game. With that said, I place some of the blame on Reid as well for all of those great Eagles teams shortcomings. He was notorious for being pass happy with crap WR's and we also had some unlucky breaks in the playoffs with McNabb getting his ribs broken, Westbrook getting injured against WAS right before the playoff run when we're up big, never having a zero hurry up offense., etc. I will say this though, I don't remember McNabb choking against AZ in the 2009 NFCCG - that was all on our defense.

But yeah, Hurts has definitely accomplished what Donovan couldn't, but I'd be a liar if I said I didn't think Donovan could've won with the same roster/coaches in 2024.

10 hours ago, SkippyX said:

Could you imagine Hurts demanding more money after getting benched for poor performance?

McNabb did that after 2008

6 TDs and 6 turnovers in the 2008 playoffs and he needed a raise.

What did the Eagles get for that raise? 7 points in 2 playoff games and a dance vs Dallas over 7 days in January 2010.

Eh, any honest Eagles fan knew that Dallas game would be a blow out. We didn't matchup well with them at all that season, and we also went into that game really banged up on the defensive side.  I'm not going to fault the QB for that loss, as we just had a really bad draw.   

19 hours ago, SinCityEaglesFan2 said:

thats a good take. at the time I sided with Donovan and thought to myself "why cant TO just shut up and play" but now that I'm older I shouldve seen that coming from a mile away. TO was a special player and if McNabb could've just buried his ego, we wouldve been a very powerful team.

I did always hate the way McNabb was so non chalant about things and his constant short to mid accuarcy problems though. if he really dedicated himself to the game I think he wouldve been considered elite

...whenever he had a bad game (McNabb), and a reporter asked him if he needed to play better, his answer was often: 'We ALL need to play better".

contrast that with guys like Foles and Hurts who always admitted that they needed to be better first of all...

1 hour ago, MF POON said:

True, he definitely didn't have his best game. I'll always look back on that game and wonder if it would've played out differently had TO been 100% in that game. With that said, I place some of the blame on Reid as well for all of those great Eagles teams shortcomings. He was notorious for being pass happy with crap WR's and we also had some unlucky breaks in the playoffs with McNabb getting his ribs broken, Westbrook getting injured against WAS right before the playoff run when we're up big, never having a zero hurry up offense., etc. I will say this though, I don't remember McNabb choking against AZ in the 2009 NFCCG - that was all on our defense.

But yeah, Hurts has definitely accomplished what Donovan couldn't, but I'd be a liar if I said I didn't think Donovan could've won with the same roster/coaches in 2024.

I remember being completely frustrated with Reid and his perpetual shortcomings that he never fixed. He was/is a great coach and was a huge part of our transformation into the better, more consistently competitive teams we've been since his arrival.

When Reid left, I remember feeling conflicted about it but thought it was definitely time. When he named Juan Castillo the DC, it was at that point I knew he was lost in never never land. But, I was happy for him when he finally won a SB.

13 hours ago, SkippyX said:

In no way did McNabb ever do more than Hurts. Its just what loser say about winners when their guy is a loser.

Disagree with the above.

Not saying McNabb is some sort of elite QB but he was severley hamstrung by Andy Reid's terrible play calling; doing the same thing over and over again hoping for a different result with mediocre WR's for most of his career.

Had Hurts played with the talent Mcnabb played with during his early years, he would struggle to stick around in the NFL.