April 17th, 1999 Tim Couch was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 1st overall pick in the NFL Draft. The Philadelphia Eagles subsequently took Donovan McNabb who at the time was an athletic dual threat quarterback from Syracuse University with the 2nd overall pick. The careers of both quarterbacks from that point on went in two different directions. Couch’s career ranged from one playoff appearance to inconsistent play from the position. Couch’s career only lasted a few short years until it came to an abrupt end in 2007. After a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Donovan McNabb on the other hand, was a success. Mr. Chunkie Soup led the Eagles to four consecutive NFC East Championships, 5 NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl appearance where they lost to Tom Brady’s New England Patriots.

McNabb also leads the Eagles all time in pass attempts, yards, completions and touchdowns. In the end, the direction of both franchises took different paths. Cleveland has not won a playoff game since 1994. Philadelphia on the other hand had moderate success under McNabb’s career between 2002-2008. With McNabb’s departure in 2009. The Philadelphia Eagles were now put in a situation where they needed to fill a void at the quarterback position.

So lets take a look at the list since McNabb’s departure: Kevin Kolb, Mike Vick, Vince Young, Nick Foles, Mark Sanchez, Sam Bradford and Chase Daniels. I believe it’s safe to assume that the quarterbacks on that list are less than admirable. So again, 7 quarterbacks in 7 years. All of whom have led the Eagles to a record of 42-48 over the past several seasons. The Browns and Eagles share many of the same problems. Both teams have had 2 head coaches in a 3 year span and the front office is dysfunctional. Both teams are looking for quarterbacks and to change the direction of the franchise. Here is the most important ground these franchises lineup together on. Neither has won a championship in a very, very, long time.

Yesterday, the Philadelphia Eagles made a trade. With who? THE CLEVELAND BROWNS! It’s crazy to think that just about 16 years ago the Browns and Eagles were drafting number 1 and number 2 overall. Yet, yesterday the Eagles trade up for the Cleveland Browns number 2 overall pick. The compensation was a tremendous haul for the Browns.  They acquired the 2016 1st Round Pick #8 overall, 3rd Round #77, 4th Round #100, Eagles 2017 1st Round Pick and the Eagles 2018 2nd Round Pick. Did the Browns win the trade or did the Eagles win the trade? In the end, who cares!

Lets revisit this debate in 4 years and see how the chips land. The two prospects at the center of this discussion are Carson Wentz and Jared Goff. Wait who? How many of you have actually watched North Dakota State!? Come on. Get real? Is he the real deal? Who the heck knows. And Goof? Wait, I mean Goff. The spread QB from Cal isn’t much either. But who knows! The draft isnt a science. If either player winds up playing well for the Eagles. It will be considered a successful trade by the Eagles and a dumb trade for the Browns. Or it could mean the Eagles mortaged their future for a Tim Couch bust. Only time will tell.

Bottom line: In order for teams to be successful in the league you need good quarterback play. But you also need a little bit of luck too because everyone is looking for a quarterback in the NFL. Problem is that there isn’t many out there. In the end it could work, or it could not. I’m positive that if it doesn’t? I’m sure the Eagles will be looking for another quarterback again in 3 years. So until then, the quarterback carousel continues to spin…unless…

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