Competition heats up for QB role in Philly

by UK American Sports Fans

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After a very poor 2012/13 campaign, the Philadelphia Eagles wasted no time in relieving coach Andy Reid of his duties. As they look to get back to winning ways, who will be leading them from the front in the upcoming season?

Last year Mike Vick and Nick Foles shared the duties due to injuries, starting ten and six games respectively. Neither recorded any great numbers, with both averaging a completion percentage of under 65% as well as averaging less than 250 yards in the air per game.

With a new coach in place it is a perfect time for players to prove themselves in training camp. Chip Kelly will be choosing his quarterback on what he will witness in training rather than what he has seen in the past, meaning it is a fresh opportunity for all involved.

Michael Vick and Nick Foles will probably be the two frontrunners in the battle, but 22-year-old rookie Matt Barkley is also firmly in the frame at this stage.

Barkley will certainly see himself as a dark horse. Being totally unknown to teams in the NFL, the California native was a formidable college quarterback who potentially could have been drafted a lot higher. It will be tough for Barkley to begin with, as I am sure he will start drills with second/third string players. Opportunities will certainly arise for him to show what he has to offer though.

The fact that the Eagles have three players pushing hard for one spot is only going to benefit the team. They all know they are in a mini competition with one another, and this will certainly raise the standards throughout training camp.

Ultimately, whoever shines most from now until opening day will be given the nod. Whatever people say, you have to say Michael Vick as the leading contender at the moment. However, as training camp develops, we will soon see who Chip Kelly is leaning towards.

The Eagles’ training camp will be one of the more interesting ones, as there are a lot of other positions up for grabs. Kelly will certainly have his work cut out, but I think he will be looking forward to it!