Philadelphia Eagles: Is Chip Kelly’s QB Controversy Dividing the Locker Room?
Jun 4, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) and quarterback Michael Vick (7) pass the ball during minicamp at the NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
It is no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback job is up for grabs — mainly between Michael Vick and Nick Foles. New head coach Chip Kelly has decided to allow this competition to last through the duration of training camp in all probability.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing for the team?
This argument can be viewed from both sides. There is plenty of good to come out of a quarterback competition. Obviously, both players want nothing more than to acquire the position, which in turn, makes them fierce competitors during practices. This is a great way to improve the tenacity of younger players and veterans, alike.
However, after certain statements from Eagles players, this quarterback controversy may not be a blessing after all.
Earlier this week, running back LeSean McCoy had some choice words about the quarterback position — in short, he said he really did not care who the starter would be heading into the season.
Now, just days later, McCoy reiterated his stance about the position (via Pro Football Talk).
"That’s why they pay Chip Kelly the big bucks, to pick the quarterback. Whoever he picks, I’m fine with. As long as I get my carries, I don’t care who they pick."
This statement could be viewed a couple of different ways.
McCoy could be so impressed with the way that both players have looked thus far that be believes the team could succeed with either one under center.
On the flip side, the phrase “as long as I get my carries” could be a little disconcerting. That is the type of phrase from a player that seems to care more about individual performance than the overall effort of the team.
McCoy is not the only player to speak out about the quarterback position, however.
Vick would like an answer from Kelly sooner rather than later (via NFL.com).
"Hopefully, (coach) Chip (Kelly) makes a decision before training camp, and we won’t have to answer that question so we can go out there as quarterbacks and just focus on this season and not answer questions about competition every day."
DeSean Jackson shared the same sentiment as Vick about the situation (via ESPN.com).
"The team wants to know too. We need to go into training camp prepared and know who is going to be our starting quarterback."
This is where the intrigue lies within this situation. Not all players are currently on the same page about the competition — such as guard Evan Mathis (via Pro Football Talk).
"I haven’t been evaluating our quarterbacks because I’m focused on the offensive line but I really don’t see the point of Chip Kelly naming a starting QB before camp. This is an entirely new coaching staff with an entirely new offense, which isn’t even fully installed yet. It’s not rocket science; whoever the coaches feel will help the team the most will win the job after proving himself in training camp and preseason."
One would hope that these comments about the quarterback position does not create a fissure in the locker room between players that share different views on the position — or the decision to wait for a starter to be named.
Either way, it will certainly be a very intriguing position battle to watch throughout training camp. As long as the team continues to jell through this controversy, this could very well end up being a non-issue in the long run.