Kolb is key to Eagles success this season.

The Eagles are going through what they themselves have referred to as a “makeover.” One could call it an overhaul, even a rebuilding process.

Whatever you want to call it, the team that takes the field against Green Bay on Sunday, September 12 is a much different team then the one that went 11-5 in 2009 but was dismantled by archrival Dallas the last two weeks of the season.

The differences start at quarterback.

In case you’ve been off planet for the last year or so, the Birds traded their franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins and anointed Kevin Kolb as the starter.

Kolb’s appearances in the NFL have been interesting to say the least.

The fourth-year pro drafted in the fourth round out of Houston put together consecutive 300-yard passing games in 2009 while subbing for McNabb. That was an obvious positive.

The negative is Kolb has thrown monumental interceptions highlighted in 2008 by Baltimore safety Ed Reed’s record 108-yard scoring theft that resulted in a touchdown.

Kolb did show some good things last year but has a long way to go to gain respect from his teammates and fans.

The backups are solid with three-time Pro Bowler Michael Vick and rookie Mike Kafka out of Northwestern, who had some solid moments in the preseason.

While quarterback is the most significant change on the field for the Birds, the biggest question mark is with the offensive line.

Once a strength of the team, over the past two seasons the lineup has seen more changes more than at a baby diaper pad nursery after breakfast.

Since 2008, starters Tra Thomas, Jon Runyan and Shawn Andrews were traded, released or retired. Stacy Andrews was brought in and after one season traded to the Seattle Seahawks.

The Birds then brought in Reggie Wells from the Arizona Cardinals to take his place.

At center, the Eagles have looked at no less than four players since the end of 2009.

The 2010 preseason was not very impressive has the starters were unable to produce a single sustained scoring drive in the three games they played.

Winston Justice was okay at left tackle in the preseason but must be the leader of the group. Wells will most likely handle left guard; Jamaal Jackson will start at center with promising Mike McGlynn waiting in the wings.

Left guard will be manned by steady Todd Herremans, who must stay healthy and the wildly inconsistent and highly paid Jason Peters will at right tackle. Peters’ level of play will determine the success of this group.

Skill positions on the offense are the strength of the Eagles attack. DeSean Jackson is as good as it gets at the top wide receiver spot, Jeremy Maclin is solid as the two, Jason Avant has established himself as a solid target with great hands and rookie Riley Cooper, the rookie out of Florida had an outstanding preseason and will push for playing time, especially in the red zone where his size (6-foot-3, 222 pounds) will create mismatches.

Brent Celek is back at tight end to give Kolb a high-level target over the middle, but if something should happen to Celek the Birds would be leaning on rookie Clay Harbor, a fourth round pick out of Missouri State.

Running back has plenty of questions – can LeSean McCoy handle the role of marquee running back.

The former Pitt star had a standout rookie season rushing for a team-record 657 yards on 155 carries and four touchdowns. McCoy also caught 40 passes for 308 yards. Veteran Mike Bell was a free agent signing to add depth to a unit that must deal with the loss of Pro Bowl back Brian Westbrook.

Bell had a solid season for Super Bowl Champion New Orleans rushing for 654 yards on 172 carries. His production and winning attitude could be valuable for a young offense looking for its own identity.

Fullback Leonard Weaver, fresh off a Pro Bowl season, should help keep defenders away from Kolb while opening up holes for McCoy and Bell. His leadership will be invaluable.

Fans may need a program to keep up with all the changes the Eagles made on defense.

The Birds will start at least two rookies – DE Brandon Graham and FS Nate Allen – to start the season.

The defensive line will again be led by Pro Bowl defensive end Trent Cole. Cole led the team with 12.5 sacks. His career totals include 47 sacks in five seasons. There is no reason to believe Cole win not match those numbers in 2010.

In fact they stand a chance to improve with the addition of Graham who has taken over the starting spot opposite Cole. The Eagles are hoping these guy compliment each other and produce even more sacks and turnovers. Veteran Juqua Parker (8 sacks, 09) adds depth and production to the line.

At the tackle positions Brodrick Bunkley (58 tackles, 1.0 sacks) and Mike Patterson (71 tackles, 1.5 sacks) are back and hope to continue their consistent play.

Also two of the three starting linebacker spots will be different from 2009. Stewart Bradley will be back in the middle after missing all of 2009 due to injury. The Eagles traded for veteran outside linebacker Ernie Sims to bolster the unit’s production. Akeem Jordan is back at the other outside spot.

In the secondary, Allen will start opposite standout strong safety Quintin Mikell and at the corner; Ellis Hobbs hopes to regain the form he showed as a regular with the New England Patriots for four seasons.

Pro Bowl lockdown defender and interception machine Asante Samuel should continue to strike fear in the heart of every quarterback he faces. Samuel’s effectiveness could determine whether the Eagles make the playoffs or head home early.

Special teams will again have kicker David Akers as its center piece. Entering his 13th NFL season, Akers remains one of the Eagles most dangerous and consistent weapons.

Sav Rocca continues his solid if not spectacular punting.

Kick coverage has been shaky all preseason. Kick return could get a boost if coach Andy Reid allows Jackson to return punts.

Prediction: Too many question marks and inexperience adds up to 6 or 7 wins in rebuilding year.

Overall predictions:

NFC Conference final: Dallas vs. Green Bay

AFC Conference final: Jets vs. San Diego

Super Bowl: Green Bay vs. San Diego.

Winner: San Diego