Lately, the Eagles have garnered attention because of their wave of moves to reduce the roster, which included the trade of both offensive tackle Stacy Andrews and linebacker Tracy White, the releasing of tight end Cornelius Ingram, and the acquisition of defensive end Antwan Barnes.

But fans mustn’t forget that perhaps the boldest and most significant transaction of the 2010 campaign involved the transition of starting quarterbacks; longtime first-stringer Donovan McNabb was dealt to the rival Redskins on Easter Sunday, ushering in the era of fourth-year passer Kevin Kolb, a former second round draft choice of the team that had been regarded as McNabb’s eventual successor since being taken out of the University of Houston.

Kolb’s been in action throughout the entire offseason and for most of the preseason matchups, but the official start of his reign as the QB begins this Sunday when the Eagles take on the Packers to open their regular season, and the 26-year-old signal-caller is more than ready.

“I’m prepared and we’re very prepared as a team. The coaches do a great job here. I think we have the best coaching staff in the NFL. Preparation won’t be an issue. I know energy won’t either. It’s getting out there and executing against a good defense and putting it all together. The best thing about our offense is that it can be anyone’s game at any time. We have the talent at every position to take over. Everybody will get their shot. Everybody knows there’s plenty of talent, so for us it’s just executing and putting the pieces in place.”

– Philadelphia quarterback Kevin Kolb

Head coach Andy Reid,  who was once well known for his tight relationship with McNabb, seems to agree with Kolb’s confidence in the offense and eagerness to make his debut as the full-time starter, comparing him to current Green Bay starter Aaron Rodgers, who took over for the legendary Brett Favre as the Packers’ leading quarterback.

“I looked at the situation in Green Bay. I think Aaron’s done a phenomenal job taking over for an obvious legend. Kevin’s having the same opportunity to take over for a legend … but most of all, I looked at Kevin and the way he’s handled things last year and since he’s been here. It’s a different situation obviously…[but] I think Kevin will do it his way just like Donovan left his legacy and did it his way. Donovan’s already been very successful in this offense and I would expect Kevin to do so.”

– Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid

Kolb struggled to find consistency in the team’s preseason games, but that was partly because of a shaky offensive line, which has since been seemingly solidified with the acquisition of veteran guard Reggie Wells, and the expected participation of center Jamaal Jackson, who tore his ACL late in 2009 and spent most of the offseason recovering. Reid briefly commented on Jackson’s status, saying:

“I’ll tell you that I feel comfortable with him, he feels comfortable and the doctors feel comfortable,” and that should only contribute to the arrival of Kolb in the lineup on Sunday.”

– Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid

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