Philadelphia Eagles: LeSean McCoy ‘Doesn’t Care’ Who QB is in 2013
Jun 4, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) during minicamp at the NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
During an interview on 97.3 ESPN Radio in South Jersey, Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy had an interesting statement regarding the quarterback situation.
"Nick Foles and Mike Vick, they both look very, very good. So I don’t really care who’s the quarterback. I think both of them could start."
McCoy added:
"Nick looks good too. He has a big arm, he’s very accurate. I think if you put any QB in there out of those two, it’s looking good. So I don’t know. It’s Coach Kelly’s call."
It may be Chip Kelly’s call, however, McCoy did not shy away from comparing new head coach to his former coach, Andy Reid.
"Reid was more laid back and let the veterans handle things, Kelly is new to the NFL."
That could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you view it. The Eagles have been looking for a fresh start since the once star-studded cast could not seem to get anything going under what seemed to be lackluster coaching by Reid.
Kelly brings a new dynamic to what is still a very talented Eagles roster.
However, the quarterback situation is still up for grabs after Kelly stated that it would be an open competition. This did not sit well with some of the Eagles players and may have divided the locker room.
Michael Vick stated his displeasure with this decision earlier in the offseason. He had this to say in early April (via Pro Football Talk).
"This is still my team. This is still my job."
In early June, Vick was not so sure anymore when asked about where he stood in the competition (via Pro Football Talk).
"I don’t know."
More recently, Vick was able to clarify his thoughts on the quarterback competition and his role on the team (via Pro Football Talk).
"That is up to Coach [Chip Kelly] to decide what is best for this football team but as of right now, I am very pleased with my progress. Today, I felt like I had some throws I wanted back but for the most part I have done good. I got some balls in the end zone and just playing the position the way it is supposed to be played.Always going to be a leader on this team, regardless of what my place is. I am confident that I continue to be a guy that is looked up to on this team and continue to play my role."
It seems as though the starting quarterback position may not be answered for quite some time. This should weigh heavily on players like McCoy — who really should care about the starter heading into 2013.
Last year, both quarterbacks had rather lackluster performances. Vick completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 2,362 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 78.1. Nick Foles was not much better with a 60.8 completion percentage, 1,699 yards and six touchdowns against five interceptions for a passer rating of 79.1.
It seems as though there is a very good reason for a quarterback competition in Coach Kelly’s eyes.
Both of these players were equally average last season. It is yet to be revealed what kind of offense Kelly will run in Philadelphia, which makes it very difficult to speculate upon.
One thing is for sure. This quarterback competition is not ending any time soon, so players and fans should be patient and wait for a decision to be made.
Listen to the entire McCoy interview here.