Eagles Set To Take On Pats Friday Night
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The great mystery of the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles is over...at least for one preseason game.
The Eagles and Patriots will open up their preseason schedules tomorrow night at Lincoln Financial Field. On Thursday, Head Coach Chip Kelly announced Michael Vick will start, but will rotate each series with Nick Foles. Kelly added that Foles will start in the second preseason game against Carolina, and the decision was based on a practice rotation instead of how Vick and Foles performed during the first two weeks of training camp.
"Nick will start next week," said Kelly. "It was Mike's day in the rotation so that was the easiest way to do it, and we'll make sure the rotation works out so Nick will get the start next week. We feel like we've got it balanced out."
Vick and Foles will alternate each series during the first quarter against the Patriots. Rookie Matt Barkley will get a chance to play in the second and third periods, while Dennis Dixon and G.J. Kinne will split time in the fourth quarter. Kelly said he isn't worried about Vick or Foles being unable to get into a rhythm by alternating each series.
"You're going to get your snaps and you're going to make plays," Kelly said. "If at the end of the day you say I didn't get a chance to get into rhythm and the other guy did, then you're in there, you go. If you're worried about what else is going on around you, then that's going to be what you blame."
Foles had no complaints about Vick getting the start Friday night. He said he understands the plan Kelly has in place and while Floes knows he will get his turn on the field, he will also be pulling for his teammate.
"I'm excited to watch Mike play," said Foles. "I'm excited for him to go out there. When we found out, we were both excited. We understand the situation. We both get an opportunity to play."
This appears to be one of the most anticipated preseason openers for the Eagles in several years. Fans are excited to see Chip Kelly's system on display for the first time, and the coach is looking forward to getting started.
"We're excited," Kelly said. "It's going to be a lot of fun. I think the way our camp worked out for itself, our players came in with great attitudes and that part was exciting. Then you get an opportunity to now bring a new team in. I think that kind of changed how we were doing things. Now we're getting into the preseason portion of it."
Tackle Jason Peters will miss Friday's game as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
