Eagles Quarterbacks Ignoring Trade Rumors
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Nick Foles will be the starting quarterback for the Eagles on opening day. People outside of the organization are wondering if Mark Sanchez will be his backup.
Sanchez has performed well in the preseason and in a league filled with teams desperate for quarterbacks, it is only natural for Sanchez' name to come up in trade talks. It is difficult to believe the Eagles would give up a valuable backup in the game's most important position, and Sanchez isn't spending time dealing with trade rumors.
"If it happens then it happens," said Sanchez. "If it doesn't, it doesn't. If it doesn't happen, I'm supporting Nick 100% like I always have. He deserves to play. He had a heck of a year."
The Eagles seemed more concerned about getting ready for their final preseason game as well as their regular season opener. Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur understands why Sanchez would be in so many trade rumors thanks to his experience as well as an outstanding preseason.
" I think everybody should be interested in Mark," Shurmur said. "I think he's done a good job and played well for us and he's won a lot of football games in the league. He was sitting in the locker room at halftime of two AFC Championship Games ahead, so we are very glad we have him. I think he's added a lot to this team as a football player and as a professional."
Matt Barkley is getting a chance to start in Thursday's preseason finale against the Jets. Barkley had heard the same rumors about Sanchez and knows it could me a chance to move up on the depth chart if a trade happened. However, Barkley doesn't believe any of the rumors, even with Rams starting quarterback Sam Bradford going down with a season-ending knee injury.
"I haven't heard anything of any concrete details of the matter," Barkley said. "I feel for Sam, but I haven't heard anything as far as what we're doing on this end. I'm just going to stick to what we know and what we've been doing here."
Barkley is preparing to start Thursday's game as Foles and Sanchez both get the night off. Barkley doesn't see this game as a tryout for teams around the league and says he is taking the same approach while benefiting from a week of preparation.
"It's nothing foreign to me," Barkley said. "I've loved the week of preparation. I think we've had a good week so far with the guys that will be playing on Thursday. It's a good feeling knowing what you're getting into and I'm excited for Thursday night."
The Eagles will hold a walk through on Tuesday. Thursday's game will kickoff at 7pm.
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