I gotta hand it to Kevin Kolb–the guy knows how to work the media. If I were him, I’d be pretty bitter about his breakup with the Eagles. And I’d probably be chirping about it as the Eagles get set to visit Arizona this weekend. But Kolb, if nothing else, is a professional and he displayed that once again on Wednesday as he diplomatically talked about his time in Philadelphia and in assessing the current state of his former employer.

According to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Daily News, “I learned so much there, highs and lows,” Kolb said in a teleconference. “I have a lot of fond memories, actually. I think about it all the time. Even [the media], at times. I think the one thing it taught me was to not let the highs and the lows affect you that bad, because you never know when the next opportunity is going to be there. You never know how quick it can change. And that, obviously, is something you need to have to play in the NFL.”

Kolb went on to talk about the Nick Foles and Vick situation, a dynamic that is many ways similar to the one he shared with Donovan McNabb upon being drafted.

“It’s probably good for Nick to feel [pressure] early on just to understand there’s no time to take off,” Kolb said. “And also to see what Mike has to go through as a starter, because we’ve been there. We’ve watched Donovan go through that.”

Kolb still has three more days leading up to kickoff to throw a barb or start some controversy, but I wouldn’t count on it. Where’s the fun in that?

Still, Michael Vick shouldn’t get a free pass here. Despite compiling impressive statistics, both on the ground and through the air, he has battled injuries and a problematic tendency to turnover the football.

And given this awful start, it’s only natural to wonder what would have happened had the Eagles not traded Donovan McNabb, or Kevin Kolb.

What if they were here right now? Would it matter?

Believe it or not, no. It wouldn’t. In fact, all three of these quarterbacks with Eagles ties have struggled–Kolb and Mcnabb, even moreso, for that matter.

The combined record of the three is an abysmal 3-12, good for a .200 winning percentage.

Here’s a quick look at the stat lines of each:

Michael Vick has completed 105 of 169 passes (62.1 percent), for 1336 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He’s also carried the ball for 318 yards.

Kevin Kolb has completed 101 of 172 passes (58.7 percent), for 1281 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions. He’s rushed for 26 yards.

Donovan McNabb has completed 75 of 132 (56.8 percent), for 849 yards, four touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He’s rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Interestingly, these numbers accurately represent the styles of each of the quarterbacks: Vick is explosive, but erratic, McNabb doesn’t turn the ball over, but can’t making anything happen, and as for Kolb, well, he sucks.

Just wanted to check in with that little nugget.

Peace be the journey Q

In a wild first day of free agent signings and firings, the Eagles decided to part ways with veteran safety Quintin Mikell – who as expected has already been signed by another organization (the Rams) with a long-term deal – and have reportedly decided NOT to resign any of their pending free agents, which would include David Akers, Stewart Bradley, Sav Rocco, and Jerome Harrison.

This raises some serious questions along the depth chart, tops among them being who will start at middle linebacker. Could rookie Casey Matthews be the odds-on favorite already, or is Jamar Chaney the guy to beat? These questions will obviously be answered throughout training camp and the preseason, so keep a good eye on the roster battles as things move along here.

With Mikell in St. Louis, strong safety is another area of concern for the Birds, and God knows if second-round draft pick Jaiquawn Jarrett will be ready in time to start in September. Second-year player Kurt Coleman and former Colt and permanent injured-reserve player Marlin Jackson might be in the mix as well. Too many questions at the moment to make any real predictions. Training camp will definitely be exciting.

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