For years, I’ve listened to critics and sports talk radio hosts spew venom accusing the Philadelphia Eagles of being jealous of the Phillies success. I’ve heard the conspiracy stories about how the Eagles would try to work the media to their advantage, especially in relation to the Phillies.

I was never one to give much credence to that talk.

Until now.

How else do you explain the Eagles trading the best quarterback in Eagles history, the centerpiece of the most successful era of the franchise, on Easter? Seriously, there is only one reason to trade him today.

Joe Banner makes faces at the notion that the Eagles are jealous of the Phillies.

Turn on sports radio, Comcast SportsNet or log onto Philly.com right now and everyone is discussing the Philadelphia Eagles. In one fell swoop, the team has taken the Phillies and ace Roy Halladay out of the public’s eye. By about 1 p.m. tomorrow, that will change. But, right now we should be focusing on our Phillies making a run toward another World Series appearance. No team in Philly has entered a season with expectations this high since the eagles were coming off an NFC Championship loss to the Rams in 2001.

Anyone who thinks the Eagles didn’t have this motive when they announced the deal of McNabb today needs a clue. What would be lost by trading him yesterday, or on Tuesday? Nothing. Nothing, except the chance to knock the Phillies off the front page.

Well played, Mr. Lurie, Banner and Roseman.