PHILADELPHIA -- Andy Reid’s plan was fairly simple. After taking Donovan McNabb with the No. 2 pick in the 1999 draft, Reid didn’t want his young quarterback to play until he was ready.
And until the team around him was ready. That was a big part of the plan, too. That’s why Reid signed free-agent quarterback Doug Pederson to start while McNabb learned. Pederson knew the offense from his time with Reid in Green Bay, and he could make sure the team lined up correctly and that everyone was on the same page.
Pederson started the first seven games of the 1999 season.