My theory of change

I have 2 theories about the Mike Vick replacing Kevin Kolb as the starter, one of which has already been publicly floated in lots of places. 

1) Reid's genuinely concerned about Kolb long-term, especially with the current state of the O-line, and didn't want to put him at risk long term both in terms of physically and psychologically coming back after Vick's big 6 quarters of football.

This would fit his MO of making bizarre statements and decisions in an attempt to protect his players - in this case, the O-line. The problem with this theory is that Reid could have achieved the same ultimate goal by saying that while Kolb's concussion test was normal, out of an abundance of caution they are going to keep him out till his head is completely cleared. This would also play well given the controversy surrounding their game day handling of Bradley and Kolb in the Packers game.

2) My personal theory (that I am still working out) is that Reid viewed this season as the Kolb transition season with relatively low expectations on both O and D and the long-term plan was for Kolb to get the experience necessary for a really great season next year. Of course, after 4 years you would think Kolb could easily take the reins but there is something to be said for actual game experience.

Under my theory, it's not really Kolb or Vick's play so much that influenced Reid's decision (though Vick helped his cause) but the realization that the NFC is WIDE OPEN this year now that Dallas is 0-2, the Vikings are 0-2, the Giants are middling, the NFC west is mediocre and the Eagles held their own against the best team in the conference (the Packers).

So Reid has now switched gears and instead of expecting to take his and Kolb's lumps against Dallas, New Orleans, et. al, he's going to play Vick and actually try to make the playoffs. Forget about the nonsense about needing to give Vick a contract extension. Has no one realized that the Eagles already shipped a better QB than Vick out of town to make way for Kolb. You don't think they'll let #7 test the free agent market next year and say sayonora to him after the season and return to the Kevin Kolb experiment? Please.

If Vick plays well and the team wins games and maybe even makes the playoffs, it's a win. if Vick doesn't play well and the team loses games, then I would fully expect Kolb to be back as starter before the end of the year. Heck, even if Vick plays well but the team still loses Kolb would likely be back as starter as they lay the groundwork for next season (unless the O-line doesn't gel and is truly horrendous in which case they might stay with Vick to keep Kolb from getting killed).