Have to Play Kolb

So that’s how the Eagles’ season ends, or at least the meaningful portion of it. Not with a bang, but with a crappy Kyle Orton interception to Darren Sharper. (By the way, how does Bernard Berrian allow Sharper to catch that? I mean, yeah it probably would have been a touchdown had Orton thrown it more to the right, but Orton basically threw a jump ball. And with the Bears season on the line, Berrian was unable to knock it away.)

 

Now it’s time to play Kevin Kolb. If he truly is your quarterback of the future, the heir apparent to Donovan McNabb, then he has to play on Sunday vs. the Saints and the following week – at home – against the Bills. Kolb needs the experience and the coaches need to see his baseline starting point in actual game situations. Donovan McNabb started games toward the end of his rookie year. So it must be for Kolb. And while they’re at it, Abiamiri, Hunt, Justice, Jean-Gilles, and Stewart Bradley all should be getting lots more playing time in the next two weeks. Indeed, with Takeo Spikes’ torn rotator cuff Bradley’s reps should be increasing regardless.

 

This isn’t a question about loyalty to McNabb or playing to win cause the Saints are still in playoff contention. This is about 2008 (and beyond). Like it or not, the 2007 is essentially over. Preparations for the 2008 season begin now. And that means getting a look at Kolb in the final two regular season games.

 

I take no pleasure in advocating this, but I do bow to reality. And it would also meant that—if McNabb were to leave after the season – that his win on Sunday at Dallas would be a fitting coda to his Eagles career. It was the 41-14 2000 opening day thrashing in Big D that was an emphatic coming out party for the Eagles and their franchise quarterback and signaled a new era for the NFC East. Sunday’s gutty 10-6 victory with McNabb scrambling for 53 yards would serve as a perfect bookend to his pro bowl quality body of work for the Eagles.