Eagles QB Matt Barkley Is Not Planning on Being a Backup

Jul 26, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles fourth round draft pick quarterback Matt Barkley (2) walks off the field after practice during training camp at the Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles have a quarterback competition that is currently underway in training camp. You have the veteran attempting to learn a new system in Michael Vick. You also have a second-year player in Nick Foles attempting the same thing.

Then you have rookie Matt Barkley, the long-shot to win the starting gig.

That’s not Barkley’s goal, as he told CBS Philly:

"“That’s not a plan to be a backup,” Barkley told Angelo Cataldi of 94WIP earlier today. “I don’t think that ever should be your goal.  Sometimes it may work out that way, but it doesn’t mean I’m not going to have that goal to be on the field.”“I’m still on the learning curve, to where I kind of have more questions than answers with the offense,” Barkley said.  “But I think at the end of camp, no doubt, it will be the opposite to where I can provide those answers and provide options for change if necessary.”"

The Spin: Barkley is saying and doing all of the right things. We have no doubt he will have a firm grip on the ins and outs of the offense by the end of training camp. What we’re not sure about it whether or not he’ll be able to grasp the offense well enough and make the fast, correct decisions required.

Chip Kelly is going to make a decision and then tailor his offense around which quarterback he selects. Barkley has the worst change as of now, but you never know how things could develop in the new few weeks of camp.

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