Vick Gets The Job

Posted: August 20th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 193 Comments »

Chip Kelly spilled the beans: Michael Vick is the Eagles starting QB.

Good for Vick. He earned the job.

The argument we had all spring and summer was about how talented and/or flawed Vick is. Kelly took the approach that Vick started with a clean slate. That meant that Vick’s dynamic highlights went out the window. But so did his bonehead errors.

Kelly wanted to see the 2013 version of Vick. Kelly gave him a new offense to run. Kelly also made Vick go through a true QB competition. Some in the media say this was a charade because it ended as they expected. But those guys are missing the point. Vick changed because of the competition. Nick Foles pushed him. Kelly pushed him. Vick had an up and down spring, but he had a great summer.

Mike earned the job, but he’s got to play well to keep it. Foles is right there behind him. A bad game won’t cost Vick his job, but there won’t be a bad month. He’ll be on the bench before that happens. Kelly has shown that he’s not playing favorites. The best guy plays. Simple as that. Right now, Vick is the best guy.

Next task…have a great autumn/winter.

And then win us the Super Bowl.

_


193 Comments on “Vick Gets The Job”

  1. 1 laeagle said at 11:50 AM on August 20th, 2013:

    No, Tommy. This was clearly a farce. Kelly was flaunting 93 years of football history. I don’t even know what that means but it sounds like I’m smarter than Kelly when I say it. Kelly should have named a starter while still at Oregon. And I am the greatest journalist in football history. –SAL PAL

  2. 2 TommyLawlor said at 11:56 AM on August 20th, 2013:

    Sal is always smarter than me. I hate life!!!

  3. 3 Daniel Norman Richwine said at 2:28 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    You can tell I’m a great journalist because I slow. down. and. EMPHASIZE. my. points. when. breaking. news.
    SalPal.

  4. 4 GermanEagle said at 11:53 AM on August 20th, 2013:

    “Next task…have a great autumn/winter.
    And then win us the Super Bowl.”
    Amen, brother!

  5. 5 wilbertmontgomery said at 11:53 AM on August 20th, 2013:

    Turnover Meter – 0 (tick, tick)

  6. 6 GEagle said at 1:14 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    It’s not even the turnovers for me…maybe he can improve….but for nothing to change and him to expect to play 16 games is insanity, if you have no shot at lasting 16 games, then why the hell are franchises investing in you? this leage is insane about protecting its QBs, we are stuck with the one dope who refuses to take advantage of….It’s disapointing that something so correctable, just isn’t being addressed

  7. 7 wilbertmontgomery said at 1:58 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I don’t get it either. Sure Vick has a cannon for an arm and lightning speed but he also has a long history of making bad decisions (epically bad history in this regard) and poor ability to read the defense pre-snap. It seems like the offense that Kelly is installing is predicated on the last two items. Kelly, like Reid and Reeves before him, is being hypnotized by his speed and arm. I can’t believe we’re going down this road again. Injuries. Turnovers. Mental mistakes. We’ve been here before.

  8. 8 aub32 said at 2:59 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Hypnotized by what? Vick clearly outplaying Foles. This argument may have been valid in the spring, but considering only one of the two QBs has made meaningful turnovers under Kelly, how can you make a case for that guy. Judge based on what you’re seeing not your preconceived notions. and you will see that’s how this was an easy decision for Kelly.

  9. 9 wilbertmontgomery said at 3:53 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    So you’re saying we should just ignore his 8 years of NFL history and only look at the 2 preseason games? Those are just preconceived notions?

  10. 10 A Roy said at 7:47 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Have you gotten better at your job over time? Do you work smarter? Recognize problems earlier/easier? Vick in 2010 was better than he’d ever been before. 2011/2012 he was pretty sucky but I’m interested to see how much of that suck was scheme and broken OL.

  11. 11 xeynon said at 8:49 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    He had a good offensive line at the end of 2010 and in 2011 and was still so-so to bad. All the evidence suggests he’s a mediocre quarterback and that the six games of brilliance in 2010 were a complete outlier. It’s pretty much impossible to argue otherwise.

  12. 12 OregonDucker said at 2:17 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    GEagle – While I agree completely with your points, Vick has such competitive fire that he is risking it all by getting an extra foot. Chip needs to be firm with him about sliding and losing a few feet.

    Let’s withhold verdict on this issue until after this next PS game. If he continues to risk the team’s wins with this behavior, I will rant along with you. It is completely unacceptable.

  13. 13 GEagle said at 2:34 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Man, I just hope he stays healthy. I don’t even care how he does it. get out of bounds for all I care. if he can not slide and take a bunch of hits and it not effect him…works for me. the problems with Vick is he is a warrior. he will take hits, get hurt, and hide it from us..and that’s when it has usually unraveled for us…

    last year against the Steelers, it was only like the 4 game of the season…he had already taken such a pounding, that he took off, made it a few yards from the goal line,(Now the cameras caught all this clearly)..Even before a Steeler could close in and hit him, Vick closes his eyes, fumbles the ball as he falls down to the ground untouched…Vick is a warrior. for him to have reacted that way means he was really hurting…I want what’s best for the Eagles! If my beloved leader who I trust says that right now, It’s Vick, then I want what’s best for Vick….I’m just really hoping he flashes a hint of it being different this year…We have been so traumatized as a fanbase, that if he slides during a home game, you will hear a bigger Roar out of the linc than you would if we score a TD..
    ..
    It’s not a lost cause. it’s an easy concept, that he can correct at any time he wants..so far it’s not like he has taken a hundred hits. I think he only took off and ran like twice so far this preseason, so he is only 0-2….I’m just hoping that now that the job is his, it clicks for him and starts making an effort to do better. it gets frustrating to hear a young kid like RG3 already sounding like he has learned his lesson…If Vick doesn’t allow Jags defenders to not hit him’ you won’t find a happier Eagles fan than me after the game…But I gotta see it first! You aren’t just going to make a sucker out of me and fool me 600 times with the same exact thing….This man has broke my heart. I was sitting in the flight deck at the linc against the patriots a few preseasons ago, when midway through the 2nd quarters, rumors started circling in the crowd that the Eagles had signed Mike Vick…Many Eagles Fans hated the signing, talks about Protest…I was one of the most excited Fans around. In 2010, I was insane with Vick Mania…I used to shout out crazy stuff with Excitement like Mike Vick had the Biggest (Fletcher Cox) in the world!!, or that Mike Vick was the hardest Mofo in the game..Hearinge talk now, you can’t even fathom how hype I was for Vick…….Years of heartbreak later, he no longer gets a free pass. I will Root my ass off for the guy, but I have to see it to believe it..

    Which makes it worse is that unlike McNabb, Vick is so damn likable, and he has learned Exactly what we want to hear…I need to start seeing the actions match the words…..lIll tell you what, If it weren’t for Chip Kelly making this decision…If ANYONE else was telling me that Vick was going to be the QB this year, My Computer would be against the wall already.. I hope he gets a heavy dose of Zone read options against the Jags, and we really put his decision making through the ringer, at a fast pace….If he takes off and slides, I will climb to my roof and start beating my chest like King Kong…Come on VICK!!!!!! I don’t have to believe in him to root for him!!!

  14. 14 fran35 said at 2:25 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Vick is about to “get his swag back”. Whatever that means.

  15. 15 Pihos Pete said at 4:34 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    He’s also a “warrior”. So he’ll use his recaptured “swag” to kill people in a common cause while avoiding being killed himself.

  16. 16 GEagle said at 4:36 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Sure hope so, he is the starting QB of the Philadelpia Eagles, his success is in my best interest. Chip tells me that Vick is thebest option for September, then I’m hoping for maximum success and good health..I’m a big believer in Continuity…
    ..
    I also happen to live in a city known for insane over reactions. A city where thousands of people claimed to know what Foles could or couldn’t be after seeing him play 6 games as a rookie, in an unhealthy environment that Joe Montana couldn’t have succeed in A city where for months all I heard is how Foles was being traded because he could never play for chip Kelly. Because this is the city I live in and the Eagles arethe team I love, as a Nick Foles guy, I would actually prefer he not take the field at all this season!..

    I wanted to see what the kid could do going into the season as the starter behind a great line, directing a great run game, led by great coaching him. I wanted him to get the continuity and experience to put us in the best position to really know who the kid is. I wanted him practicing and being groomed to be the starter….That isn’t going to happen, so I prefer Vick staying completely healthy and being a better version of himself then he was in 2010. I want to never be able to ref to 2010 asthe “ANOMOLY season” of his career..
    ..
    Because I want to see Foles succeed, and I live in a city that will over react and be quick to judge, I really hope to not see him again until this time next year, when he has a full season of practicing and learning this offense under his belt…Giving him a year to learn this offense, and not seeing him til his 3rd NFL season could be a blessing in disguise for the kid..

    Also, he has put impressive Film on tape. We all know Vick isn’t the future, but if at some point Kelly falls in love with Barkley, or FolesPlateaus and we want to trade him, his value is pretty high right now and that won’t change if he doesn’t have a chance to fail forthe rest of the world to see…
    ..
    I also think it was obvious that Foles was really feeling the pressure of the competition. Now that a lot of that pressure is gone, it’s going to be really fun on Saturday when Foles has the game of his life lol…For our sake, let’s hope Vick continues to play lights out so that our media doesn’t ignite a QB battle drama all over again

  17. 17 A Roy said at 7:45 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I knew you couldn’t help yourself…

  18. 18 pricebe said at 11:57 AM on August 20th, 2013:

    The only thing I had wanted to see was Vick passing in the red zone. Hopefully we’ll see that on thursday…

  19. 19 Anders said at 11:57 AM on August 20th, 2013:

    I could care less if Vick, Brown or Shady can run it in every time

  20. 20 pricebe said at 11:59 AM on August 20th, 2013:

    Doubtful that Vick is never gonna have to show his passing cjops in the RZ

  21. 21 bdbd20 said at 12:00 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    That sound you heard was the hype train at ESPN. Vick vs RG3 will be marketed to the point of embarrassment.

  22. 22 GermanEagle said at 12:01 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    And I was hoping “Vick vs. sexy Rexy” was going to be the headline for our season opener..

  23. 23 A Big Butt and a Smile said at 1:28 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    lol

  24. 24 Media Mike said at 12:04 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Vick won the job.
    Vick will go into turnover / injury mode sooner rather than later
    Foles will start games from whenever until the season ends.

  25. 25 Ben Hert said at 12:05 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Way to kick off a new era in Eagles football.

  26. 26 Media Mike said at 12:46 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I didn’t make that up. When has Vick ever played 16 games? When has Vick not been brutal with fumbles and INTs except 2010?

  27. 27 GEagle said at 1:03 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Don’t you know? Chip waived his magic wand!!

  28. 28 ACViking said at 1:16 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Ah . . . the smell of napalm

  29. 29 A Roy said at 7:50 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I love the smell of it in the morning…

  30. 30 1100011101010101 said at 1:01 AM on August 21st, 2013:

    Vick plays poorly, is benched-
    MediaMike: “Look how smart I am! I trashed Vick at every opportunity and now 10 weeks later I am vindicated. All hail commenter section Nostradamus, Media Mike!”

    Vick plays well, gets injured-
    MediaMike: “See I told you that pussy couldn’t last 16 games”

    Vick plays well, team struggles to get over .500-
    MediaMike: “I can’t believe that Chip Kelly mortgaged our future to go .500. Get Vick and Kelly out of town ASAP. Also I told you the read option is for idiots.”

    Vick plays well, team makes the playoffs-
    The beauty of what you’ve set up for yourself, probably inadvertently cause you’re not that smart, is this is the only way you can be “wrong.” So you have like 50%-75% of the outcomes covered with your flaming. Congrats! I will be rooting for this however, not only because I’m an Eagles fan, but also because reading this tripe on *literally* every Eagles QB article on friendly blogs is just boring and tired by now. You’re not even smart and you’re definitely not innovative about the way you make your points. You detract from the quality of the comments section of every Eagles blog where you post. You are a little man who nobody listens to in real life so you repeat your same opinion over and over again on the internet. I would like it very much if you went away forever.

  31. 31 Lateraleye said at 12:04 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I am not surprised at all.

    Yet when I heard the news, my stomach sank. I just don’t have any faith in Vick anymore. He flashed in 2010 for half a year then everything since has been just plain horrible. Like trusting an alcoholic that says he can quit at any time… maybe a bad analogy. As we saw in the last preseason game, he still refuses to slide. I know, I know… we should be judging him on his 2013 merits as Chip is doing. But let’s see what happens when protection breaks down or all receivers are covered and he doesn’t have time to think about the smart thing to do – he’ll revert back to those panicky instincts or worse, get injured.

    I still wanted to see one more preseason game – let Vick run a sustained no huddle/hurry up drive and let Foles attempt some throws longer than 10 yards. I still feel like our picture of both quarterbacks is incomplete at this point.

    In Chip I Trust – but it’s definitely more flimsy now.

  32. 32 JoeD said at 12:20 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Agreed with you 100%

  33. 33 A Roy said at 12:43 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Our picture IS incomplete. That is not to say Kelly’s/Shurmur’s is. They’ve seen a lot more in practice than we have. Chip gets a pass (pun intended) until Vick is unable to recognize coverages and starts throwing INTs. I’m not saying I expect him to bomb…I don’t. It just won’t be as easy as what he’s seen in PS games.

  34. 34 Lateraleye said at 12:48 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    This is true. I’m not saying they are making an uninformed decision but if this truly is the BEST decision possible at the moment, then I fear for the season.

    Another good point – it’s impossible to know what either QB can really do until they face a defense that has game planned against them. With Vick though, that job tends to be a lot easier.

  35. 35 aub32 said at 3:05 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Because game planning for Foles was so hard. You make it sound like Foles should have won or was even tied. Foles faced the same vanilla looks and was worse than Vick. So by your logic, shouldn’t he be worse when the defenses are less vanilla?

  36. 36 Lateraleye said at 3:15 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I still think they are virtually tied and like I said in another comment, we haven’t seen the complete picture from either in the last two games.

    From what I saw in preseason, Foles manages the offense brilliantly. He finds narrow windows and knows where everybody is on both sides of the ball. Vick showed he knows how to throw deep and accurate – leading to very short drives where he wasn’t tested on how he actually runs a steady methodical offense. I want to see those two positions flip-flopped for a game and if each QB can do what the other has done so far.

    Because Foles has shown more pocket awareness, I’d trust him more over a defense that would plan for weaknesses. But again, if we got the chance to see Vick do the same thing as well or better, I’d feel a lot better in turn.

  37. 37 aub32 said at 3:21 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    If you think they are tied, then you are obviously judging by 2 different rulers. Foles has 3 fumbles and a pick. How does that equal to Vick having no meaningful turnovers? Vick has almost doubled Foles yards per attempt. Yet you think they are even? You are obviously not being objective, because if you are then you would have no problem with Vick’s 2011 season where he both scored a lot of points and turned the ball over a lot. Just like Foles thus far in his career.

  38. 38 Lateraleye said at 3:38 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    About half of those turnovers weren’t really his fault. And I absolutely am judging with two different rulers and I would have liked to see how each QB measured up on each one. I want the best QB overall. If one is weaker or stronger in something, then we need to weigh who would have the bigger upside over a whole season. Since Vick doesn’t last a whole season, he should have a way bigger lead over Foles to be named starter. Risk/reward. I don’t see that lead yet and now it stinks that we won’t get the chance to get more evidence.

  39. 39 aub32 said at 3:47 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Then you are blind or simply choosing to look away. How is it not Foles’ fault that he fumbled? I do not blame him for the sack. There was a breakdown in protection, but he literally dropped the ball. What happened to eating the sack, or does that only apply to QBs you’re not making excuses for. Also, you left out the part about getting the ball down the field. Vick moved the ball better and with less help from the running game. In fact the running game burned him in both games. You can continue to believe there’s more to be seen, but Foles is clearly inferior to Vick in almost every aspect right now. There is not a single thing you can say that Foles has done better than Vick this preseason. Unless you want to use that BS line that Foles came back from his mistakes. Sorry Vick didn’t make any mistake to come back from.

  40. 40 Lateraleye said at 3:55 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I think you are mistaken that I’m totally on the Foles bandwagon. No way. He wasn’t very good last year either. I’m looking exclusively at preseason games. I said above that Vick is the master of the deep ball. Foles hasn’t tried one. Just like Vick hasn’t tried a drive to eat up clock which IS what Foles has shown. There’s my single thing I could say. So they both showed different things and for me to begin to trust either one, I want to see each of them in different situations than they’ve been in the first 2 preseason games. Only after that would I take turnovers and bad decisions into account as tiebreakers.

  41. 41 GEagle said at 4:53 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    How dare you use more criteria than just stats to judge a QB competition? Lol JK
    ..
    Sure Vick looked great in the first drive of the game, but then he came back aNd went 3 and out because of a horrible timing error that caused the low pass to the sure handed Avant…and then he was done for the night lol. I mean, people went insane with his week 1 performance, but it was a TD without tempo packages, followed by a 3 and out that was his fault…Yet I’m made out to be crazy for not being blown away to the point that I should have alady forgotten about all the ridiculousness of the past 3 years(Yes 2010 included, I haven’t forgotten the playoffs)..

    I haven’t gone back and scrutized his panthers game like I did with the Pats game, so I’m currently Ot in a position to criticize it..Watching the game live, I was extremely impressed…but watching the Pats game live, I didn’t see how Vicks horrible timing caused a big window for Avant to close resulting in an incompletion. It really should have been an easy first down, but Vicks throw was too late…So I really want to watch his panthers play again before I comment on it but my initial reaction was he played lights out and won himself the job…but that doesn’t mean I’m going to bow down and claim that all is forgotten after two preseason games…I’m rooting for the guy, but I don’t call my friends around the country and talk trash to them about how great Mike Vick is and how they all should fear us like I did back in 2010…Vick has Earned the Job, but he still has so much he needs to Prove….I guess cautiously optimistic is the term

  42. 42 Lateraleye said at 5:33 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Perfectly said. I think the main points people should take away from the discussion today are:

    1. We are all Eagles fans and will cheer for the team no matter who plays.

    2. It’s okay to be skeptical of Vick. His time here has been more bad than good so far. It’s hard to believe he’s really a whole new player after this one offseason but if he is, then that would be wonderful.

    3. Just because Vick isn’t liked or Foles is preferred doesn’t mean those people are haters or traitors or idiots.
    4. The competition was fun to watch and we got two (hopefully) improved starting-caliber players out of it.

  43. 43 A Roy said at 7:52 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    You wouldn’t be a Philadelphia fan without the skepticism. Let’s mix a little cautious optimism in with it, though.

  44. 44 A_T_G said at 4:19 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I am not arguing with your point, but saying Foles had 3 fumbles and Vick had no meaningful turnovers is playing games with wording. How are fumbles that were picked right back up more noteworthy than a throw into triple coverage that actually resulted in a (meaningless) change in possession?

  45. 45 OregonDucker said at 1:49 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    A Roy – Receivers have more flexibility in the Chip system, hence you will see more open. This helps Vick. See the following:

    http://articles.philly.com/2013-08-19/sports/41425783_1_west-coast-receivers-bob-bicknell#poll_questions_top

  46. 46 GEagle said at 1:09 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Good post. I was hoping that if Vick won the job, Chip would have forced him to be accountable in taking advantage of the rules the league has in place to protect its QBs…that hasn’t happened. I just watched Ick dive head first a week ago, and two defenders just barely missed landing on top of him. it was an inch off from being almost identical to the hit that broke his rib cartilage, when the two redskins defenders dove and landed on his back n ribs…and it’s very dissapointing for me.

    I was convinced that Chip wouldn’t have put up with this, and that Vick would have had to correct it to win a job…This has soured this exciting time for me a little..
    ..
    if Vick plays well, we are winning games, and he gets hurt refusing to protect himself, I’m going to be aggrivated with Chip for not having corrected it before he ever allowed him to take the field.

    I really really really want to be wrong about this

  47. 47 Jernst said at 1:36 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    My biggest concern as well. I just can’t believe someone that athletic cant jump onto their rear end and slide instead of diving fwd. So stupid…

  48. 48 GEagle said at 1:57 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    what really bothers me is that some of us care about it more than he does.. how is that possible? dude is running out of chances, and he wants to stay here. After these past two years he is actually getting another shot..does he think he will get another free pass? if he gets hit in the pocket and gets hurt, I won’t ever utter a negative word. but If he takes off, doesn’t slide or get out of bounds and is lost for the season in week 8, does he actually think he will have a chance at getting an extension?….It’s just maddening to me that when he is fighting for his nfl life, he won’t do everything in his power. Our line will be awesome!!! he should take it as a challenge to drive defenses crazy by running all over them, but in a smart way that doesn’t allow them to even touch him…If he doesnt allow them to hit him when he takes off from the pocket this year, with this line, even the fragile Mike Vick would have a shot at playing 16 games. If he were to run like Aaron Rogers, he could be a deadly weapon, but if he can’t stay healthy, it’s like having an assault riffle that shoots blanks

  49. 49 aub32 said at 3:08 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Ok do any of you know why he doesn’t slide? It’s not because he’s incapable. He fears for his legs more than his head. This sounds follish I know, but forr someone that has made so much money based on his athleticism it makes sense. So please drop the issue. He’s diving on purpose, and I am sure if any of us had other worldly speed we would protect our legs too.

  50. 50 Jernst said at 5:09 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I’ve heard him say it a hundred times, that he always feels like his legs will get caught and snap if he goes feet first. But, that doesn’t make it any more sensible. Slide on your butt and bend your knees so they don’t hyper-extend and you’ll be fine, Mike. In fact, you should practice it often so that you get comfortable and no longer have this IRRATIONAL fear since sliding is by far your safest bet.

    And, if you’re not going to learn and are going to continue to dive head first, do us all a favor and head for the sideline and get out of bounds or go down earlier and tackle yourself like Self tacklin Maclin used to do, instead of waiting for the last possible moment and hurling yourself at Safeties and LBs that are running full speed at you from both directions sandwiching you at the end of every run.

  51. 51 A Roy said at 7:55 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I think GEagle said it earlier…running out of bounds would solve a lot of problems.I

  52. 52 fran35 said at 10:21 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Gotcha…I think. If you are saying that Mike Vick has nothing between his two ears that is worth preserving, I concur.

  53. 53 ACViking said at 12:05 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    At Kelly’s press conference, per SK, he reportedly said:

    “Kelly clarified that Vick is ‘our starter for the season. It’s not a one-game trial basis.’”
    __________________

    So T-Law . . . what did Kelly mean if not Vick or bust for 16 games?

    Or is he just using *coach-speak* for the players in the lockerroom?

  54. 54 Iskar36 said at 12:38 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I have to imagine that is “coach-speak”. It would help to actually see how the question was asked and how Chip Kelly phrased the response, but I think Chip Kelly is simply saying that the competition is over and it will not be a game-to-game circus of who the starter will be. If the question was something along the lines of “Is this just for the WK 1 game?” Chip would have had to respond like that. In addition, when you make the decision to start Vick, the hope is that he will be your starter throughout the season. You don’t start him if you think Foles will be the starter at the end. So I think it is simply Chip Kelly supporting his own decision. However, like Tommy said, Vick can have a bad game and still be confident that he will be the starter, but If he has a bad month though, I think Foles will start.

  55. 55 OregonDucker said at 1:14 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Iskar36 – Here is the Kelly press conference so you can hear what was asked and Chip’s answers.

    http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/multimedia/videos/Press-Conference-Chip-Kelly/65081617-5145-42d8-a0c9-4901ad2b7222

  56. 56 TommyLawlor said at 12:44 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Coachspeak.

    Kelly can’t put a number out there. He’s got to let Mike play with confidence. Mike can’t be afraid to make mistakes. If you tell him he’s only got 5 mistakes to make, he’ll change the way he plays after he makes 3 or 4.

    Vick has room to go up and down, but he won’t keep the job if he struggles for several games in a row.

  57. 57 Daniel Norman Richwine said at 2:31 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Just tossing this out there, what happens if Vick is actually great all year? Maybe Chip wants him to be QB because he thinks there’s a reasonable chance that he will be?

  58. 58 JoeD said at 12:12 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    OK let’s take some bets… What week will Foles be starting and will it be to injury or bad play/??

    I got week 7 — bad play

  59. 59 Anders said at 12:33 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Are you the worst loser ever? Admit you have been wrong so far and take it like a man

  60. 60 JB in P-Town said at 1:11 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Week 5, I think they go 1-3 over the first quarter of the season with losses to the Redskins opening night (Monday), a win against a terrible Chargers team, loss to Big Red and the Chiefs on Thursday night (first three games in 11 days…) and a loss to Denver, at Mile High.

  61. 61 A Roy said at 7:56 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I’ll take the “over” on that.

  62. 62 I Got Jokes, Calm Down said at 12:25 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    1st game back he runs head 1st into a LB and gets concussion. Vick era over. 1st play too! I called it!!!

  63. 63 Tom from Hungary said at 12:27 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Based on what we saw against NE and CAR I expected Chip to wait until after the JAX game to name a starter. Yes, Vick was already winning this competition, but in my opinion not by that wide of a margin. Maybe Chip and the staff looked at Foles’ two dropped snaps and his INT and felt that instead it is time to go with the veteran who looked really sharp in the games. This might just be Chip’s first decision as the Eagles HC I do not agree with, and by this I do not mean that I do not agree with naming Vick the starter, but making the decision before the third preseason game.

    With that said, Chip must have factored into this decision the last few weeks of training camp and decided to look at the full body of work and in that case, I can see that he felt the timing was appropriate. The decision coming now might even have a positive effect in the locker room. I am sure some players pefer to know who the starter is sooner rather than later.

  64. 64 Jernst said at 12:32 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    One, the decision now was expected. The third pre-season game is the dress rehearsal. You want maximum reps for the starters. All the way into the 3rd quarter in some instances. This is where you want to build game chemistry and iron out all the details before the season starts. You do not want to be splitting reps that late into the pre-season. The 4th preseason game…all starters rest and it’s just bottom of the roster types fighting it out for the last few spots.

    Chip has seen all the OTAs, all of training camp and 2 preseason games, if he can’t make a decision based on what he’s seen so far, whats a couple more drives going to change.

    Plus, Nick Foles as nicely as he’s moved the team down the field has not completed a single pass of more than 15 yards yet in the preseason and has 2 turnovers. The clear winner was Vick.

  65. 65 Weapon Y said at 12:41 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Vick truly deserved to win, but I’m a little pissed that we’re going to have to put up with the national media worshipping Vick and putting down Foles like he’s the next Doug Pederson. I’d have loved to seen Jamie Dukes’ face if Chip said Foles was the starter.

  66. 66 TommyLawlor said at 12:44 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    That would have been a thing of beauty.

  67. 67 A Roy said at 7:58 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Not to draw too fine a point, but it would have been a pleasurable experience. Jamie Dukes’ face is never a thing of beauty.

  68. 68 Lateraleye said at 12:44 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    That’s going to absolutely be the worst thing to come out of this. All the blowhards will just get more smug with the “told you so” that they based off nothing in the first place. On the plus side, half of Chip’s press conferences won’t be taken up with QB controversy questions.

  69. 69 Iskar36 said at 12:46 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    This is the Philadelphia media we are talking about right? The second our team loses a game and Vick isn’t spectacular, the QB controversy questions will be back…

  70. 70 Lateraleye said at 12:51 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Ha! I spoke too soon.

  71. 71 Tom33 said at 1:03 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    or even before then…Les Bowen on Philly.com (before Vick was named to be fair)…

    http://tinyurl.com/ktxytcd

  72. 72 Weapon Y said at 1:34 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Again, Vick should be the starter. He earned it. But I am sick of how he gets a free pass from the likes of ESPN and NFL Network. Vick wasn’t the only reason the Eagles collapsed the past 2 years, but he was a big reason. He sucked. Plain and simple. He was reckless carrying the football. He failed to identify blitzing defenders far too often and got himself sacked. He held onto the ball way too long. Now, that Michael Vick hasn’t shown up. He looks more efficient, but less dramatic than the 2010 Vick. But people need to understand why Vick had to fight for his job. He put himself in a hole due to poor performance. Let’s hope he doesn’t dig a new one.

  73. 73 GEagle said at 1:48 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    let’s be honest…even going into the season without JP, the other 52 guys were playing some competitive football at the beginning of the year…and before the wheels came rolling off, we lost Kelce, and it all avalanches into what became more pathetic than the KOTITE season…Mike Vicks pathetic play was just killing us, shooting ourselves in the foot everytime we started to get something going…Vicks horrible play started before the collapse of the 2012 Eagles…Those are The Facts! I’m tired of how everyone skews the past, and just bunches up Vicks bad play with the eagles bad play. That’s Not what Happened. Vicks got hurt 4 plays into the first preseason game, didn’t come back til we kicked off in Cleveland, and the other 52 Eagles played well enough to beat Cleveland by 30pts…Late game Heroics(can you even call it that when you are the sole reason we were in that position?) by Vick got us to squeak out a win in the end…His Horrible play started in Cleveland and it expanded to the rest of the season…The rest of the team didn’t really start collapsing til those stretch of games against Detroit and The steelers.
    ..
    Now that is all irrelevant to the present, but I’m tired of revisionist history, convenient amnesia, or whatever you want to call it. Vick always gets a pass for last season, because of the collapse of the team, but that’s not at all what happened. in this case we knew what came first, the cart or the horse…

  74. 74 aub32 said at 3:17 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Can’t have it both ways. There are still those who blame Vick for 2011, despite that team having O line and defense problems. I won’t say Vick was great. He wasn’t, but he played better than many other QBs and put points on the board.

    Last year he was not playing well, but the team and coaching let him down too. He killed it in Detroit. He was good against the Giants. I think he would would have had a shot to go 8-8 had he not gotten injured, but he as the rest of the team, was lacking.

    He has since earned his chance at redemption. So let’s move on. Shall we?

  75. 75 Jernst said at 11:11 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I think Vick’s 2010 and particularly 2011 were better than people remember or want to admit. The results were bad in 2011 and terrible in 2012, but watching the play live, on TV and replaying the games multiple times, I couldn’t get over one thing…when Vick had a clean pocket, he almost always…always…found the open guy and got a positive play and looked good doing it. Every one of his problems (interceptions, turnovers, ect) occurred when protection broke down, he was getting hit while throwing, or he was making a dumb decision while trying to make something out of nothing. When I took this in context with Andy Reid’s ridiculous play calling and obsession with 7 step drops and 75% passing plays combined with dismal offensive line play and awful defense it became hard to blame the poor results simply on Vick. The turnovers seemed more to stem from a talented player trying too hard to overcome all the things I just mentioned and trying to make spectacular plays out of broken situations when it would be better to just live to play the next down.

    I think Vick is a much better passer at this stage in his career than he is given credit for. However, I also think he has legitimate problems with decision making (ie always trying to extend broken plays and pull off the miraculous when it’s simply not feasible), he is far too injury prone and does not do enough to protect himself and he is way too cavalier with the way he holds the ball. All that being said, with an above average line and an offensive system that emphasizes the run game, quick passes and gives him simple easily identifiable reads and WR’s with options to break off their routes to defeat blitzes, ect…I think Vick can be an exceptional QB. I agree with Tommy…Vick isn’t Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees great…in fact, neither are the other 29 QBs in the league. I think Vick can certainly play at the level just below and be the 5th best QB in the league. Which is more than enough to win a Super Bowl. He does need to learn how to let plays die however, and find ways to protect himself or he won’t even reach that height.

    But, too many of his detractors make him out to be this bumbling, horrible, just plain awful QB who can’t read a defense to save his life, is inaccurate, throws nothing but INTs and fumbles the ball all the time and has never been anything but that for his entire career. And, that is just simply not what I’ve seen over the last 3 years, despite all his worts.

    And, I do find it funny that Foles fumbled and threw INTs at a higher rate than Vick and everyone claims he’s this great decision maker and Vick is the worst that’s ever lived. It just seems that people see what they want to see. I recognize Vick’s flaws, I really do, but I’m going to put my prediction down now…I think Vick really takes his game to the next level this year and surprises people. I’ll be the first to come back and eat crow if I’m wrong.

  76. 76 Alistair Middlemiss said at 4:16 AM on August 21st, 2013:

    There is a vast difference between a 10 year vet in the system and a rookie making rookie throws, and holding them to the same standards is nonsensical.
    Also in no game did Foles ever look as bad a Vick did as the Browns game and Arizona game.

  77. 77 aub32 said at 3:12 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Well how about I say “I told you so”. Now you can feel better having known it came from somebody who actually paid attention to the off season battle in its entirety.

  78. 78 Lateraleye said at 3:29 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Are you a member of the national media who just spews out things based on what they saw for a couple games in 2010 without being “somebody who actually paid attention to the off season battle in its entirety”? Sure hope not. Those people are the ones I’m criticizing, not informed people making predictions.

  79. 79 aub32 said at 3:41 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Nope. I just wanted to help you out. Sheesh talk about ungrateful lol

  80. 80 xlGmanlx said at 4:12 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    based on 7’s injury history, we will see foles in 13. But you can’t turn the ball over, which is what foles did in the preseason.

  81. 81 Weapon Y said at 4:23 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Foles looks like one of the best, if not the best, backup quarterbacks in the NFL. He looked far better this year than last, and I can envision him becoming a starting QB soon. Wouldn’t it be a great twist of fate if Vick put up a mediocre performance, got injured, and then Foles stepped in, gashed defenses for several straight games, and became the starter? Somewhere, Kevin Kolb would be smiling.

  82. 82 A Roy said at 12:44 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Well, MediaMike, WilbertMontgomery and JoeD, unsurprisingly, have voiced their displeasure. Where is GEagle?

  83. 83 GEagle said at 1:11 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    No autographs today…sorry

  84. 84 AZ_Eaglesfan said at 12:47 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Vick deserves to start, but I am more then skeptical about how he will play in the regular season. Preseason football is nothing like regular season football. Defenses aren’t moving, the blitz’s aren’t creative, and coordinators won’t show their hands. Vick has a lot to prove still, he has taken some positive steps forward, but the real test is still coming.

  85. 85 Iskar36 said at 12:47 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    This. But just to add a little bit, that would have absolutely been true of Foles as well.

  86. 86 AZ_Eaglesfan said at 1:06 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    True, but we have seen Vick struggle for many years with handling blitzes, especially from Nickel CB’s. We will see if Chip can coach him up, or we will see if he is a lost cause.

  87. 87 Anders said at 12:49 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    The thing is, if the Eagles are snapping the ball after just 15 sec, the defense cant do creative blitzes and have to play a simple defense.

  88. 88 Iskar36 said at 12:51 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Teams will still be able to get creative against the Eagles. Our offensive style will allow us to get the defense flat footed a couple times, but it will not force them into being vanilla. We will see plenty of exotic defenses with plenty of exotic blitzes.

  89. 89 Anders said at 12:53 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    To both you and AZ. How can you make exotic blitzes if you dont have time to set em up?

  90. 90 AZ_Eaglesfan said at 12:56 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    This isn’t Oregon. This offense isn’t going to be able to snap the ball every 15 seconds. The refs are going to slow the game down enough to where Coordinators will be able to get their play calls in and allow the Defenses to setup.

    I say again. The only thing the hurry up minimizes is substitutions. It doesn’t alter how a coordinator can call a game inside a single package.

  91. 91 Anders said at 1:12 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    We was able to snap the ball in 15 seconds in the pre season, why should that change in the regular season?

  92. 92 Iskar36 said at 12:58 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I think you are overestimating how long it takes to setup a blitz. Sure, we may catch a defense flat footed a few times, but as long as a defense does the prep work during the week, they can setup their blitzes and exotic defenses quickly during the course of a game.

  93. 93 AZ_Eaglesfan said at 12:51 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    If you really think that when we play the Broncos, Giants, Cowboys, Cardinals, and Bears D that they will just be standing around because we are in a hurry-up you are totally wrong.

    Does the hurry up negate some pre snap movement? Maybe, but only because it limits the amount of substitutions you can have. Good defenses will confuse Vick, he has to be able to over come that.

  94. 94 Ark87 said at 6:10 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Defenses can script exotic looks and force the QB to slow down and try to figure out what he’s looking at. We saw Nick got forced to call a time out because of confusion. That was preseason, crank it to 11 when the regular season comes around.

  95. 95 JB in P-Town said at 12:53 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    This is my concern as well. Defenses have been able to completely confound Vick his entire career during the regular season. I personally would have liked to see the team move forward with Foles but that’s because I think the Eagles window is in 2-4 years to be great, not this year (too many holes on D – schematic non-fits like Graham and Cole). I just don’t see the point to have a QB running your system now that won’t be able to be peaking at the same time as your team. I think that Foles could have grown and peaked at the same time as this young roster. I also think that Foles can win as many games as Vick can, just not as exciting to watch on ESPN. I am very interested to see what kind of leeway Kelly gives Vick. Three turnovers in a game…when your second QB is just as good? Hard not to bench 1A for 1B in those circumstances.

  96. 96 GEagle said at 1:18 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    A QB who self admittingly has struggled with reading defenses, now we are giving him more cues to read. he still has to read the same coverages, identify where the blitz is coming from, but now he also has to make the Right decision on evey single play in regards to the Dend or whoever we are zone reading. One mistake, equals a disaster…

  97. 97 JB in P-Town said at 1:00 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    When you have two QBs that are so close in now they run your offense, how much leeway can you give the starter? Is it keep the team at or above .500, positive turnover differential, certain number of points per game, passer rating line to stay above? Say the team starts out 1-3 in the first quarter of the season, can you keep Vick in if he is having turnovers like the last two seasons (Redskins, Chargers, Chiefs, Broncos)? BTW, three games in 11 days to start the season (Monday, Sunday, Thursday)…could be rough early on for us. Two of the first three are nationally televised as well so quite a bit of pressure on Kelly to win or look good early. Vick goes 1-2 you know the questions Kelly is going to be getting…

  98. 98 GEagle said at 1:01 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Congrats to Vick, a class act who has earned this….Would feel much better about this decision if the parameters of this competition would have forced Vick to prove that he has fixed his actual issues…That hasn’t happened, but that’s not Vicks fault(except for his refusal to slide)…Hopefully Chip knows what he is doing. Go Vick, and Go Eagles

  99. 99 TommyLawlor said at 1:21 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Nice.

  100. 100 CampDracula said at 1:09 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I’ve always thought that Vick is the type of guy who’s at his best when his back is against the wall.

    He was at his worst in 2011/2012 when he had the job locked up and the team was expected to be good or great. This summer has been the opposite set of circumstances- the team is supposed to stink and he had to fight for a job.

    We’ll see how it all translates to the regular season, but I’m cautiously optimistic.

  101. 101 Greg M said at 1:11 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Sigh. Vick is what he is and will revert to what he has done throughout his career; that may come in week 4 or week 16, but it will come and it will cost us. I’ll still root for him, but I don’t see Vick being successful over the course of a whole season.

  102. 102 GEagle said at 1:12 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Week 16? That’s hilarious

  103. 103 Greg M said at 1:18 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Do you forget how 2010 ended? 🙂

  104. 104 GEagle said at 1:21 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Yeah, with Anotnio Winfield making Vick unravel against the Vikings, and then the Vaunted VICkerception in the playoffs….I’m not disagreeing with you, just joking about the guy being incapable of lasting 16 games..

    Why would he last 16 games, when he hasn’t shown a hint of changing how he plays when he takes off with the Ball?

  105. 105 ACViking said at 1:13 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Re: Kelly’s Bet

    T-Law:

    This is Kelly’s first “big” decision — the kind that stamp the coach as “genius” or “just another guy”?

    Schemes are important. But in the NFL, it’s all about the QB.

    At this point, you could argue Kelly’s making the low-risk play — whereas I think the argument that Foles presents a bigger risk is far stronger.

    Vick’s a 10-year veteran with 100+ starts who’s still talented and obviously capable. Foles, on the other hand, is just a kid with a 6-start resume.

    Bottom line . . . Kelly’s choice of Vick looks like the safe move.
    __________________

    On the other hand . . . Kelly’s choice of Vick could not have be more freighted with risk.

    if Vick’s performance in the games that count reverts to his career mean — as Brent at Eagles Rewind postulates — then Kelly’s not going to look very smart.

    In Kelly’s first big decision, he turned out to be just another guy suckered by Vick’s remarkable skill set.
    ___________________

    While the choice of Vick may be good for all the arm-chair coaches to debate, I would have been just as had the debate never been given legs.

  106. 106 fran35 said at 2:56 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    While I agree with you regarding Chip getting seduced by Vick’s potential, I actually have faith in Chip pulling him with a short leash. If we are to believe Chip-and he had not lied about anything yet-he is ONLY about winning. He has no problem admitting he was wrong, sticking with his guy, or whoever is paid more. If Chip follows his script, Vick reverts to his norm(almost a given), Chip will not hesitate to pull him.
    And I can live with this decision. Vick outplayed Foles and won the job fair and square. I personally do not believe Vick is the best option to win long term, but right now-Week 1 against Redskins-Vick is the best option to win. By Week 5, Foles may have surpassed Vick. However, that is of no consequance to Chip. He wants to win out of the gate. As a fan, we can appreciate this. It was maddening to see Reid stick with lame veterans because they were his “guys” or his “picks”.
    Go Eagles…..and here’s to Vick learning to read a corner blitz and slide

  107. 107 Arby1 said at 1:21 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Vick wins competition and the Philly Eagle press corp is weeping copiously, gnashing their teeth and wringing their hands – it’s truly a tragic sight. Of course, they’re all stumped for a new story line.

  108. 108 xeynon said at 1:25 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Not sure how I feel about this. Both quarterbacks have been competent this preseason but Vick has clearly been a notch better. However, he is 33 years old, extremely injury prone, and not likely to improve from what he is now, none of which are desirable qualities in a quarterback for a team that is unlikely to contend for a Super Bowl in the next two years. He’s not the future. He’s like a dead end girlfriend who’s not good enough to marry but who provides enough highs to make dumping her difficult. I’m not sure Foles has what it takes to be the guy either (I kind of doubt it, actually), but it’d be nice to know for sure before the next offseason. Hopefully Vick’s inevitable injury or regression to mediocrity/benching comes early enough in the season that we get a good read on whether he can develop into a winning QB before next year’s draft.

  109. 109 GEagle said at 1:27 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I’m either hoping Vick plays 16 games, or gets hurt in Washington..

    I will be furious if we are doing well and he gets hurt in week 10.

  110. 110 GermanEagle said at 1:28 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    That. Did. Not. Make. Sense.

  111. 111 Mac said at 1:30 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I think GEagle is trying to say that he doesn’t want a promising playoff run dashed by an injury, and I can empathize with that.

    Having said that, I like what we learned this summer because I think we have 3 guys on this team who can run Chip’s offense, and I do think the one who ran it best is starting for us week 1.

  112. 112 GEagle said at 2:12 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Every game that Vick goes out onto the field has an opportunit cost:
    A) Taking precious game experience from young QBs that we are trying to develope. If Foles is getting thrown into a game week 10, no matter how hard he works in practice, he won’t be as ready as he would had he been playing the previous 9 weeks of the season.
    …..
    B) Evaluation of our young QBs. next year could end up being a special draft class. there are few bigger decisions in the NFL than investing a first round pick in a QB. Not using a first round pick on a Qb is how this defense is going to get its playmakers that everyone keeps crying about us not having..Chip hours after drafting Barkley: “QBs are like tea bags, you never really know what you have until you put them in hot water”…Playing Foles and Barkley(If Foles isn’t the answer) this year would really help us next year when making an important decision like considering a QB in the first round. I can’t stress how much better how we would be in the rebuilding process, if the QB of the future was already on this roster allowing us to focus assets into building the rest of the team…Foles can show Chip everything in practice, he can look good in 6 urges of Vanilla preseason action, but you really need to see the kid play ATleast half a season(after his rookie season in a healthy situation) to have a real idea of who he is.

  113. 113 xeynon said at 6:43 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    This. Couldn’t have said it better myself.

  114. 114 GermanEagle said at 3:36 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Good point well made, sir.

  115. 115 A Roy said at 8:04 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    We’re still not sure if the Eagles “QB of the Future” is even on the team yet. Vick has the potential to provide the most excitement and the most wins in the interim. Waiting to see if Foles or Barkley gets better or if we’re drafting a QB next spring.

  116. 116 xeynon said at 1:44 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I don’t think you have to worry about this team being in contention in week 10. This defense will probably end up being better than last year’s (how could it be worse?) but it is still undertalented, depending on too many square pegs who have been jammed in round holes, and learning a new scheme. There will be growing pains, especially early on. If they are better than 4-6 at the 10 game mark I will be very surprised.

  117. 117 GEagle said at 2:41 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I having a feeling I will like this defense around midseason once it has had a chance to Gel…

    I’m happier about the Defense, than having Vick as the starter

  118. 118 fran35 said at 2:59 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I am actually feeling better about this team right now. The defense has potential and the offense has alot of talent. I could easily see us being in contention in Week 10. i could just as easily see Vick take a meaningless hit and break ribs or get a concussion

  119. 119 GermanEagle said at 1:27 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Everyone’s rooting against Vick is not only a Negadelphian but also not a true Eagles fan.
    In Chip we trust. Go Vick, go Eagles. And go kick some Redskins ass!

  120. 120 Mac said at 1:27 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Will there be any Redskin QBs left by game 1?

  121. 121 GermanEagle said at 1:31 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I. Don’t. Care. 🙂

  122. 122 A_T_G said at 7:52 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    We might have a slightly used 2-time SB winner for them. Or, OR, a guy that goes by initials. They love that kind of thing. GJI. We would take, what, A J Feeley type compensation?

  123. 123 xeynon said at 1:34 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Gotta disagree with you there. I’m not rooting against Vick, per se, but I don’t think he’s going to drastically improve on his mean career performance level, which is not nearly good enough to win the Super Bowl. Therefore keeping him on this team/starting him is something of a waste of time and possibly counterproductive to the long term goal of winning a Super Bowl over the next few seasons (assuming Foles has the potential to be a SB winning QB, which I think is a dubious assumption). I care about winning the Super Bowl in 2015, not going 7-9 instead of 6-10 this year. So if starting Vick decreases the chances of the former to achieve the latter it’s not a move I’m happy with.

    The Redskins are probably going to put up 30 on this defense in week one. With so many new starters, mismatched parts, a new scheme, etc. it’s unlikely they will have much success defending the read option. Not being negative, just realistic.

  124. 124 ike kelley said at 1:50 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    You’re a great fan. But I don’t think you want to condition loyalty on blind obedience. Dissent should always have a place at the table.

  125. 125 aub32 said at 3:26 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    There’s a difference between blind loyalty and this QB battle. This battle was as transparent as it could be, and though there are those who would like to pretend the battle was closer than it was, there is not a single person who can honestly say Foles outperformed Vick. How then can you not support this decision? and why would you wish ill on your starter who has proven to be the best QB on this roster?

  126. 126 ike kelley said at 3:44 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    “Transparent” except for everything we didn’t see, perhaps?

    Being a “fan” means being a fanatic.

    As a fanatic — and hence, by definition, irrational just like every other fan posting here — I retain the right to continue to want the Eagles to move on from Vick.

    Why is that inherently wrong, given that we’re all fanatics?

  127. 127 aub32 said at 3:52 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    What more was there to see? As a fan you have the right to want to move on from a QB, no matter how foolish that desire is. However, I found fault with you say GermanE had blind loyalty. We saw the games. We got reports from camp. I don’t know about you, but I went to camp. Therefore, there’s blind loyalty here. I am going with who I saw perform better. You keep living in the land of make believe.

  128. 128 ike kelley said at 4:45 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    hahahaha. Land of make believe.

    Dude, I’m slapping my leg.

  129. 129 xeynon said at 6:51 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    How then can you not support this decision? and why would you wish ill
    on your starter who has proven to be the best QB on this roster?

    Since Vick is on the roster, and was the better QB this preseason, naming him the starter had to be done or Chip risked losing the locker room. Which is why Vick shouldn’t have been on the roster.

    Vick is a veteran player who has not only plateaued but is actually on the downside, and with the exception of about six weeks in 2010, he wasn’t elite even when he was at his physical peak. That’s the worst profile you can have for the starter on a bad/rebuilding team (and don’t be fooled by preseason optimism, this team is bad/rebuilding). I hate to keep coming back to this analogy but it’s apt – when you’re dating someone and the relationship is kinda okay but you’ve realized you don’t see it going anywhere, the wise thing to do is stop wasting time, end it, and go out and start playing the field again in hopes of finding someone who is marriage material. Vick is a known quantity, Foles and Barkley are not. By going with the known (and proven insufficient) quantity we are sacrificing the chance to obtain valuable information before next offseason, in which the franchise QB who could take this team all the way may be available if he’s not already on the roster. That is a significant downside to keeping and starting Vick.

  130. 130 GermanEagle said at 4:09 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I love this thread.

  131. 131 GEagle said at 1:30 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Who’s like the last string LE for the Redskins? I know the steelers starting line is pathetic, which means there 3rd team line is probably abysmal, but whoever the Skins LE is that was playing in the 4th Quarter last night was fast and unblockable. Dude was killing Landry Jones. I want to know who that was, and keep an eye out in case heis cut

  132. 132 ACViking said at 1:36 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Re: QB Competition vs. Other Positions

    T-Law:

    How useful is the preseason to judge a QB competition involving a talented Vet and a less-talented young QB . . . with the vanilla defenses in exhibition games, shortened and hitless team practices, and — for this year’s Eagles — a deeply flawed D-backfield?

    The QB position seems qualitatively different than every other position on a football team. O-lineman have to execute blocks. DEs have to put pressure on QBs. LBs have to shed blockers and get to the ball. Whatever the level of complexity, those fundamentals don’t change.

    But QBs? They face off against “let’s not show anything” defenses in the fake games. They throw to receivers in practice with no pass rush. Etc.

    ____________________

    Just wondering . . . how Donovan McNabb, c. 2011, have looked this past spring and summer? I bet pretty good in Kelly’s offense.

    Madon’, talk about a guy who if he’d played for a coach who ran the ball more . . . . . sfortunato.

  133. 133 xeynon said at 1:56 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Preseason performance has little correlation to regular season performance. If that weren’t the case Bobby Hoying and Mike Kafka would be in the Eagles Hall of Fame at this point.

    The proof of Vick (not to mention Kelly’s offense as a whole) will come in the regular season, when they go up against top defenses that are game planning to stop them. I suspect Vick will have the same middling level of success he’s always had. The offense, on the other hand, I think can succeed, but only once the right quarterback is in place.

  134. 134 ACViking said at 2:04 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    X –

    Thanks. Very thoughtful.

  135. 135 bentheimmigrant said at 4:15 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I think the real question with the QBs in these two games was, going out there against a D they hadn’t seen every day, were they making the right decisions? I don’t think performance was the real test – physically the coaches knew what they were looking at. But would Vick call a run when Kelly wanted a run? Would he see the mismatch on the outside when that’s what the play created? (On that note, I’d say it was always Vick’s job to lose, in that if he was grading out equally with Foles on the mental side, his physical prowess would naturally lead to better performance).

    Honestly I worry that Vick won’t be able to do this for an entire season. It took him all of 2011 to work out what to do with the corner blitz the Vikings came at him with at the end of 2010 (though hopefully Reid’s 3 second long, spin-around play-actions are a thing of the past). But if he can keep his head, I think we should be pretty happy with what we see.

  136. 136 xeynon said at 6:55 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    The problem is that Kelly’s offense isn’t always going to result in easy play calls at the line and short yardage situations on 3rd down. Sooner or later defenses are going to adapt and start snuffing out the basic options in Kelly’s playbook and the offense is going to face a 3rd and 12 or two. That is when Vick’s inability to do things like properly diagnose and respond to a corner blitz will kill him.

  137. 137 Bebin Abraham said at 2:21 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Come on Tommy this is why you’re a hack. Mike Missanelli told me the end result of this competition 10 months ago even before Chip was hired. His analysis work along with Sal Pal is the reason why they along with the great Skip Bayless get those high paying gigs where their opinions magically turn into facts while you hack away for pbr’s.

    Your long articles educating these internet losers and being gullible to Chip’s “competition” were for nothing. HAHAHAHA. All of those Podcasts with your friend Hackempski were for naught. HAHAHAHAHA. Get a life loser!

  138. 138 Bebin Abraham said at 2:21 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    If you and Jimmy ever turn to the world of professional
    wrestling, I’ll come and be your manager and cut promo’s. You guys can
    be the Hackologists and I’ll be “Dat” Brown Comment guy.

  139. 139 GermanEagle said at 4:06 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Did Tommy and Jimmy have a threesome with your GF Megan F.?

  140. 140 James said at 2:35 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Yea loser!

  141. 141 Bebin Abraham said at 2:45 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    If you have to ask……

  142. 142 Mac said at 2:52 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Lest we forget… Anal Piano Stool.

  143. 143 bentheimmigrant said at 4:05 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    You need to turn up the obviousness… I’m not sure how, but apparently you do.

  144. 144 Weapon Y said at 4:44 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Clearly Skip Bayless knows his stuff. Chip Kelly only likes fast, athletic quarterbacks. Nick Foles couldn’t outrun my grandma. Sal Pal is a great journalist who should be nominated for a Pulitzer. He speaks only unbiased truth and doesn’t make stuff up. Jamie Dukes knew that Michael Vick was the only guy getting reps with the 1’s every day since Chip Kelly got there. Tommy Lawlor and his hack friend Jimmy Alabama have been misleading you with their “facts.” Just because Nick Foles got a roughly equal amount of time with the ones, that doesn’t mean there was a real competition. Stephen A. Smith is right. Michael Vick is a flawless decision maker who did great in 2011 and 2012, and bears no responsibility for the Eagles’ downfall. Jason Peters, Jason Kelce, Todd Herremans, and Evan Mathis are obviously terrible linemen and it’s their fault the offense underperformed not Michael Vick, while Shady McCoy couldn’t even outrun that cripple Adrian Peterson. You all are so naive to think the great Michael Vick wouldn’t be the starting quarterback. Shame on you, T-Law!

    For those people who think I was completely serious, I’m not. Learn sarcasm.

  145. 145 shah8 said at 3:54 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Ok, I did not expect the thread to be as entertaining as it has been. What are some of you all going to do if Vick has a good season and is resigned with a nice contract? Geez, at the end of the day, Vick’s original contract per current signing norms, was quite reasonable for starting calibre NFL QBs. That’s pretty much why Vick resigned to an effectively one year deal at a low rate. Another big pile of money at the end of that rainbow.

  146. 146 A_T_G said at 4:32 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I think for the vast majority of commenters there is an unwritten “He is an Eagle, so I hope he exceeds all my hopes and expectations and plays great for years, but I’m worried that…” in their comments, much like I’m sure if Foles gets pressed into action you will hope he exceeds your expectations.

  147. 147 shah8 said at 4:56 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Now, see, I think that’s a rationalization, rather than anything that speaks to the truth of sentiment. Way too many people are talking some pretty crazy stuff in this thread.

  148. 148 Andy124 said at 5:08 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    So what you’re saying is that, if Foles gets pressed into action you will not hope he exceeds your expectations?

  149. 149 Ark87 said at 6:01 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    no no, he’s just being his usual condescending self. The amused observer above it all.

  150. 150 A_T_G said at 6:39 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Fears of injuries making him unreliable for an entire season, fears of the preseason not giving us an accurate picture, which ones are the crazy ones (I admit to some skimming because the the quantity)?

    I said a few days ago that I am surprised, but that Vick deserves to start after seeing him in person against Carolina. You can’t blame people for being concerned that this season will be derailed the same as the last couple. Once bitten, twice shy. Twice bitten, well, you can’t let them bite you again.

  151. 151 xeynon said at 6:58 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Way too many people are talking some pretty crazy stuff in this thread.

    It’s “crazy stuff” to predict that a quarterback who has a long track record of mediocrity under several different coaching staffs and offensive philosophies and is clearly on the downside physically is going to continue to perform at a mediocre level and/or decline physically?

    I’m glad you’re not the one picking my stocks for me.

  152. 152 shah8 said at 7:14 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I really don’t have to be very condescending, if the people in this conversation behave as childish as they have been.

    But you know, jesus, this dead-obvious news pretty much broke every single philly website and some discussion boards out there today. I even hear that radio was burning the call in shows. And a lot of this was gnashing of teeth, rending of clothes, and talking up, or outright hoping for injury for Vick. Come now, grow up. It ain’t everyone who wants to hear that kind of stuff. People want to look forward to a successful season, and believe it or not, many, if not most, people were not as committed to the idea that Foles being a necessity as some of you all make out. Alright?

    But damned if Jim Harbaugh didn’t have the right idea. Just insist that Kaepernick is the QB, yeah, made my mind up, he’s QB, and move on. These silly games, however it worked out for Carroll last year, only caused grief for Reid three years ago, and now Kelly (I suspect), which is why he insisted that Vick is in for the season.

  153. 153 A_T_G said at 7:42 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Speaking of dead-obvious, you heard people saying dumb stuff on the radio call in shows? Really? Stunning.

    And so you come on to this forum, which we all know is a special corner of the Eagles fandom, as make a comment ascribing those dumb comments to the readers here. That explains why your comment didn’t match what I read here. Why didn’t you just call in to the show?

    Of course, you also subtly let us all know that you aren’t one of those people that listen to call-in shows, you just heard about it. Again, this raises the question of just where are you finding these childish comments. One starts to consider the possibility of projection.

  154. 154 xeynon said at 9:02 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    The San Francisco situation is not a good analogy because Kaepernick is a good player and Vick is not. Kaepernick was better last season over an entire year than Vick has ever been at any point in his career over a full year and is 23 years old. It’s apples and oranges.

    I don’t see anybody here rooting for Vick to get hurt. What I do see is a lot of people frustrated that we have to waste more time watching a guy we know isn’t a long-term solution make a few tantalizing plays and put up good numbers against bad teams, but struggle against good defenses, turn the ball over, and continually put himself at risk with his reckless style of play. While I agree that Vick is the best quarterback on the roster at the moment, he is a complete dead end as far as attempting to build a winning long-term program and a lot of people would prefer not to waste any more time spinning our wheels at the end of this particular cul-de-sac. A lot of fans would rather go 5-11 and know with more certainty that one of Foles/Barkley is (or more likely isn’t) the answer before next year’s QB heavy draft than go 7-9 with Vick and end up with no resolution as to the long term QB situation and no high draft pick with which to select a Bridgewater or a Boyd. That’s a completely rational point of view.

  155. 155 shah8 said at 7:16 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I’ve actually always been good at picking value, stocks, included. One reason people have ever listened to me is because I can do that.

  156. 156 A_T_G said at 8:04 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    And here I was, assuming it was due to your people skills.

  157. 157 GEagle said at 4:13 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    this City is Insane! Vick has been named the starter for hours and already everywhere I turn I hear questions about Foles being traded to the point that Chip had to actually address it at the PC…WTF is wrong with people?
    ..
    As a fan who has sat through some tough times and has voiced plenty of doubts about the QB situation, just watching Vick and Foles at the press conference today I was really proud of both men. they have worked hard, handled a very difficult situation with class and a competitive drive that I do believe has made both better QBs. The way they both handled everything has really set the tone for the rest of the team and I’m extremely thankful for both men..It’s not hard to get excited when everyone keeps glowing about “this energy” inside the novacare complex…A fanbase that was 4-12 should not take that for granted. It speaks volumes about our coaching staff that without playing a single game yet, it has completely removed the stench of these pathetic past two seasons. It’s incredible, the amount of excitement Chip has instilled into the players and fans. I Doubt many men would have been able to have us so positive, excitement and confident this soon after a historically bad season that we couldn’t forget if we tried. The work ethic and strong locker room turn around that chip n howie were able to accomplish in 1 offseason is amazing.

    Fly Birdies Fly!!!

  158. 158 cliff henny said at 4:33 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    why would you trade a cheap and most likely competent backup? it’s not like vick has an injury history or anything to worry about either. jeeze, hope kelly just laughed it off

  159. 159 Flyin said at 5:26 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I’m glad to see you have finally come around in support of Vick. One of the best things from Vick’s PC… he took responsibility for his “moment” comments about Chip naming the starting QB back in the spring. And said he shouldn’t have said that. Every thing Chip does, he does for a reason. Players and us fans are continuously learning about Chip and “why”.

  160. 160 ACViking said at 6:32 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Vick did not take responsibility for his “I love football NOW” comment . . . which means, when begging Kelly for a chance here back in January, Vick was nothing but money hungry.

    Moreover, Vick didn’t take responsibility for his “I’m glad I was pushed” comment. More proof of his sub-standard professionalism.

    The guy signed a deal for several million dollars guaranteed at a time — by his own admission, we can now see — he (a) did not love football (a Kelly requirement), and (b) wasn’t even self-motivated enough to do what the best QBs do year in and year out without competition.

    Vick’s best move is stick to cliches, like Andy Reid did.
    ________________

    I’m not disparaging his performance this TC. Excellent, obviously.

    I’m just looking at his character as a “professional,” based on his own words.

  161. 161 Flyin said at 6:55 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I think I understand your points. Vick has flaws and greatness. I think he is one that needs a mentor to bring out the best in him. And by his own admission, that is what Chip has done for him. He wants to be “professional”, however, he needs guidance to be professional. The thing I respect is that he is open minded enough to allow other people to help guide him. Dungy, Reid and now Chip.

  162. 162 ACViking said at 6:57 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I agree. And hope that Vick remains in love and stays hungry.

  163. 163 Patrick said at 5:12 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    To me, the most important answer this decision gave us, is that I cant imagine us NOT being interested drafting a first round QB in next years supposedly amazing QB class. Vick is not only a very limited future year QB, he isn’t even a next year QB, since he is only on a 1 year deal.
    I cant imagine him playing well enough to earn us using the franchise tag on him and I seriously hope that we don’t just give the 2 year older Vick, a long term contract like we did after the 2010 season, nor am I specifically fond of the notion that next year Foles will have gotten: better as a QB, a stronger arm and a better fit in the system by sitting on the bench and learning from a QB who he is probably already better than in terms of the mental part of Football, which is pretty much the area you can learn from the bench.

    That whole dilemma sort of get lost in the whole discussion on whether Vick is even a “this year” QB with his injuries and highly erratic play his entire career. No doubt he earned the job this camp/pre-season, but i would much rather have seen him gone in march, seen if Foles had what it took to be a QB for this team in a year where i have 0 expectations of is even being in contention for the Super Bowl.

    It might be a long season and in the end, we will very likely be in the exact same spot as this year: A pretty decent roster with a good amount of stars, but still missing a NFL QB.

  164. 164 Ark87 said at 5:54 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    There is a strong possibility that Chip is setting himself up for a QB controversy next year. If he is forced to draft a QB in the first round next year, he will likely be in a 3 way derby. Judging by the way Vick and Foles played so far this year, unless we draft RGIII or Andrew Luck, a rookie wouldn’t be able to win a job over one of them. Which of course, the media would eat up.

    But it’s important not to get too far ahead, we got a season ahead of us and who knows what happens. Maybe Vick ascends to elite status in this system, without relying on his mobility. He could be excellent for 3 more years. Maybe Vick gets hurt, and Foles steps up in a big way and “arrives” as a franchise QB. Maybe we trade Foles, Vick moves one, and it becomes Barkley vs mystery 1st rounder next year. Way too many possibilities to worry about it. Buckle up, enjoy the ride as best you can.

  165. 165 Patrick said at 6:36 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    But you get my drift, that in most scenarios, we would end up in trouble again next year:

    If Vick is back to 2010 form, his contract is up
    -Would you tag him? This years QB tag is 14,6 mil and with Rodgers new contract, that will probably go north of 15. mil. I wouldn’t pay Vick that
    – Would you bring him back long term? Even ignoring his injury probability and him being erratic his entire career, how long does he really have left? Can we challenge for a ring in that time? I think your 3 years are generous.

    If Vick plays all the games, but is just decent and we let him go since he is not the answer
    – Would you be willing to go with Foles, who couldnt beat a guy you were willing to let go? Again, its not like Foles will get better by warming the bench and learning from Vick. Manning/Brady yes, Vick no.

    If Vick Sucks or gets injured, Foles will be in the exact same situation like this year. We saw a little, but nothing is definite
    – Were back to would you go with Foles, who couldnt beat out Vick and is unproven

    In all those situations, I would make Bridgewater or Tahj Boyd my #1 target. My point is this:
    Do we have a shot at winning the SB this year, with any of the QBs on the roster? No, i cant imagine that.
    Why go with the guy who is only going to bring uncertainty to the future? Why not see if Foles can be a SB winning QB in the NFL? Worst case scenario, you’re back with having to go for Bridge or Boyd going into 2014 battling Barkley for the job. If however Foles proves to be your starter, you have the QB you need to win a SB and all is dandy.

  166. 166 ACViking said at 6:48 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Patrick:

    I suppose those are the sort of questions Laurie, or his minions, asked Kelly back in January — or certainly should have asked.

    We have the answer today, no?

    The organization’s tactical goal, from Laurie down, is win and win now.

    You’re getting into strategic planning. Not sure there is any at the QB spot.

  167. 167 xeynon said at 7:04 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I’m not comfortable with a lack of strategic planning from my front office. “Win now, at all costs” is a fine mantra for the coaches and the players. NOT for the guys making personnel decisions. If the guy building the roster follows that philosophy, you end up with Ruben Amaro’s Phillies.

  168. 168 ACViking said at 7:13 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    X –

    An all too apt analogy given (a) the uncertainty surrounding Vick, given his 1-year contract, injury history, and career numbers, and (b) Kelly’s *competition* mantra, which — if serious — mean we’ll back having a QB competition next year, regardless of what Vick does.

  169. 169 Patrick said at 7:35 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    UNLESS!!!

    FIRST EAGLES-KELLY MEATING:
    Chip: Soooo, who you got at QB in Cheesesteak town?
    Howie Roseman: Well we got Mike Vick…
    Chip: How about a QB that actually plays all the games and throws TDs, not interceptions. NEXT!
    Howie: We really liked what we saw from Nick Foles
    Chip: That guy from Arizona? My grandmother runs faster than him even without her wheelchair. NEXT!
    Lurie: Well assuming you don’t like Trent Edwards, we would be open to drafting someone…
    Chip: GET ME JOHNNY MANZIEL!!!
    Howie: We cant coach, he’s not in this draft, he might not even be in the 2014 draft, but there is other QBs.
    Chip interrupting: DONT YOU EVEN DARE TELL ME ABOUT GENO SMITH OR EJ MANUEL!!!!The only kid i like is that Barkley from USC, he must know tons of celeb bitches… Imma run to the bathroom real quick…
    Lurie after 25 minutes: i don’t think he is coming back 🙁

    7 Days later, a crying Jeffrey Lurie sits in his office, when the phone rings. Lurie puts his tough act on:
    Lurie: BIG DOG ON THE LINE
    Chip: Lurie-Cris, CHIPPADELPHIA on the mic. Turns out Manziel wont transfer to Oregon and the great one heard you still haven’t found a coach to turn your sobfest Eagles into the ‘Murica Iggles. If you can get Mike Vick to restructure his deal, i guess i can work with him or the Statue of Foles until Johnny Football is ready to quit being a little b**** and get payed without the NCAA all up in his bees nest. You just have to promise not to judge me before then, cause it aint a Kelly offense without the quad-read option and the double reverse-fleaflicker that only Manziel can run.
    Lurie: WERE IN… I had a similar agreement with Big Red, not to look at the team before both Genos and Pats opened a shop in his office. Luckily i was able to have him settle for a quarterback, so i guess i can do the same with you.

    Someone get me Skip Bayless on the phone, not only will he be able to talk about the Eagles not having long term plans without any arguments to back him up, he will also be able to reveal the master plan 2 weeks later, with even less proofs.

  170. 170 A Roy said at 8:11 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    The tactical goal is to put people in the seats until they can start winning with the QB of the future, the strategic goal. We need two more drafts. Anything in the meantime is icing.

  171. 171 A_T_G said at 6:49 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    You are right, this decision was not made the make the future easier, but it is a long season. Some of those questions may answer themselves. I can respect Kelly making the decision that is the correct one today and not shying away from the difficult ones it may create later.

  172. 172 Ark87 said at 6:50 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Absolutely, this isn’t going away. As of this moment, there is no known long term solution on this roster, and with Vick winning the job, we won’t be able to evaluate the young options, see if they are able to grow with the offense, etc. Or at least we aren’t planning to.

    As things stand, the team is shelving the long term QB crisis until next off season. And even then, there are plenty of bust QB’s in the first round.

    I totally get where you’re coming from. For me, the long term picture does raise my anxiety. However, Chip is bringing an exciting offense to the nfl. I am going to try to live in the moment and enjoy it. There’s a lot to be anxious about with this team, but some things to be excited about as well.

  173. 173 ACViking said at 6:26 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Patrick . . . you’re no “crazy” from the woods.

    Nicely said, now that the dust is settling.

  174. 174 Patrick said at 6:43 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Thank you, sir.

    My intention is not to destroy Vick or take shots at Kelly. Vick absolutely is the best QB on the roster right now and i actually really like what Chip has done in his short time in Philly. My sole point is just – We have now had our uncertainty about the Eagles answered with twice the uncertainty, we just pushed it to next year.

    It sure would be a shame to see Vick suck, Foles coming in way too late, ending up with the first pick and having to miss out on Jadeveon Clowney because we have to take a QB, only to find out in training camp or during Bridgewaters/Boyds rookie season that Foles is actually a legitimate QB in this league, when we had the chance to see about Foles the year before, but went with a guy who has little to no future, without us being in the running for a title. Dont get me wrong, if Vick can bring us a title that changes everything, but lets be realistic about the season.

  175. 175 ACViking said at 6:45 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Again, a well framed, thoughtful — and clear-headed — summary.

    Look forward to more as the season unfolds.

  176. 176 TheRogerPodacter said at 5:20 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    130 plus posts? the crazies must have come out of the woods just for this thread!!

    *runs back to the woods*

  177. 177 ACViking said at 6:23 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    That’s not especially accurate in a couple of respects.

    First, many regulars here posted many times.

    Second, only a handful of your so-called “crazies” posted — a particularly unnecessary shot at those folks who, though maybe not regular commenters, posted their views most respectfully.

    Really, no need for the gratuitous ad hominem.

  178. 178 A_T_G said at 6:44 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Don’t waste your breath, he is back in the woods. (And I think he was kidding anyway. Hopefully none of the commenters are thin skinned enough to be offended.)

  179. 179 A Roy said at 8:15 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Wonder what it looks like in TATErland tonight?

  180. 180 Ark87 said at 5:40 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Gratz to Mike, worked his butt off and played lights out to earn this.

    Won’t lie, as a fan with the long term interest of the franchise in mind, I wanted to see Foles win the job, to see if he could grow into a franchise QB over the course of his second year in the NFL, to know if we need to use a high draft on a QB next season.

    But the literally is no other path for Chip to take at this point. Mike owns the locker room, and he won the competition (or at least was winning when Chip decided). Any other decision would lose Chip Kelly this locker room.

    As a fan I’m pleased that both QB’s stepped up their game and the best man won the job, not the lesser of 2 evils.

  181. 181 A_T_G said at 6:41 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Well said, good sir.

  182. 182 Patrick said at 6:54 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I really like the point about Mike winning and owning the locker room. We as fans can sit here and discuss the future, but Chip created a competition to put the best team out on the field this year, and thats all he has to worry about for now. I think you’re absolutely right, not naming Vick the starter when he was clearly the best guy, would raise even more questions and some of them about our Head Coach, and you do not want questions about your HC.

  183. 183 A Roy said at 8:17 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Colin Cowherd commented this afternoon that, once they Eagles marched him out to represent the team regarding the Riley Cooper debacle, Vick had to be the starter or the locker room would be lost. Makes sense.

  184. 184 SteveH said at 6:39 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Huh, I figured he was going to wait until after the 3rd PS game, but this makes plenty of sense as this is the dress rehearsal.

    Foles likely sealed his fate with that interception on the first drive.

  185. 185 Ark87 said at 7:13 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    this might sound weird, but I think burning the time out was the nail in the coffin. Carolina gave him a look he didn’t like or wasn’t sure of. Whatever the reason he had to burn a time out, early. I get the feeling that sort of thing drives Chip nuts. The Int was just one of those things where he didn’t put enough oompf on the throw away, which is better than the “he doesn’t get it an he never will” horrible decision type int.

    Mind you, Foles was never going to beat Vick physically, he just doesn’t have the tools. By default he had to win with his mind, great reads pre and post snap, great anticipation, and a flawless understanding of this offense. I think that time out just sort of told Chip, “not yet”. Vick is the guy that can make those mistakes and make up for it with his gifts, not Foles. Meanwhile, Vick did not make those mistakes.

  186. 186 xeynon said at 9:05 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Which would you rather have, a guy who sees a look he’s not comfortable with and calls a timeout, or a guy who sees a look he’s not comfortable with, throws into triple coverage, and gets picked? Because experience suggests the latter is what we’re going to get with Vick.

  187. 187 Ark87 said at 10:18 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    I hear what you’re saying. I think Foles made the right decision. But I get the feeling Chip doesn’t accept option a) or b) there, but expects c) Foles to be able to handle the curve ball at the line. I’m not saying Vick is better at any of that. Vick has managed to get by without any major errors, but I think part of that could be a hot hand in a small sample.

    Just putting in my 2 cents on Chip’s possible thinking. I saw Chip’s reaction to Felix Jones costing us a Time out. So i know that sort of thing gets to him.

  188. 188 ACViking said at 6:52 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    A_T_G:

    You’ve posted some fine material today.

    I’d say everyone has — whatever they said.
    ______________________

    T-Law’s written before how purposefully level he’s been with QB posts.

    I’d say today, his flock has done pretty well keeping discussion clean and interesting.
    _____________________

    We’re all fortunate to have Tommy Lawlor making this possible.

    THANKS, T-Law.

  189. 189 Ark87 said at 7:57 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Truly the best Eagles community I’ve found. This QB competition has been highly controversial, hotly contested, and extremely divisive to the Eagle’s fan base. While the fabric of our little (but seemingly growing) igglesblitz society may have been frayed, it only served to demonstrate the quality with which it was woven. Everybody had a stance on this issue and by and large gloating was kept to a minimal, while disappointment was kept articulate. Kudos to all for bringing the rare blend of intelligence and passion to the board.

  190. 190 eagleyankfan said at 9:09 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    Do you really — really — really think Chip based his decision one 1 throw from Foles? You’re not close. In fact — you’re not even in the same ball park. That goes for you too Sal Pal. First — give Vick credit for winning it — NOT for Foles losing it. Second — give Chip just tiny bit of respect that he wouldn’t base the ENTIRE competition on just 1 throw.
    Nice job Vick. Good luck.
    Oh yes — and let’s trade Foles — this way when(not IF) when Vick goes down, we’ll have NOBODY to play QB. Again — Chip is not idiot.

  191. 191 eagleyankfan said at 9:20 PM on August 20th, 2013:

    One aspect I loved about the announcement(and it was probably said here, and I apologize to other writers, I’m not reading 184 posts :))…I’m glad Chip said that this is a 1 QB team. Perfect. No nonsense of “let’s bring in Vick for some plays and Foles for others”. I do think this is the time to announce it. Vick needs more time with the 1’s.
    Don’t worry about next year yet — let’s worry about the ‘Skins first. Besides next draft — all 10 picks(just throwing that number out there) will be for defense. We’re selecting 9 safeties and giving Allen the valet vest to park our cars.

  192. 192 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 6:38 AM on August 21st, 2013:

    I think Vick has played better this far. It is what it is. I also think that the concern that regular season Vick will emerge because it always does is a little different this time as well because no one really knows what Chip is going to do offensively. Blitzing with wreakless abandon may not be the dominant strategy against Kelly’s offense. His isn’t Reid where you know ex ante he’s going to throw close to 70% of the time. Something to consider…

  193. 193 My Homepage said at 5:02 PM on August 26th, 2013:

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