Michael Vick won’t start until fully healthy, Nick Foles taking first-team reps

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) throws a pass against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Philadelphia Eagles could once again have a quarterback controversy on their hands between Michael Vick and Nick Foles, as Foles lit up the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary this past week. He probably benefited from playing a dysfunctional team, but Foles certainly played well enough to garner at least some consideration for the starting gig. While I still think Vick is the better quarterback and deserves to hold onto this job, the Eagles could pull a shrewd move here and should start Foles this week against the Dallas Cowboys.

Look, the Eagles aren’t going to go anywhere this year, especially with their utter lack of competence in the secondary. This is a team that needs to see what they have at the quarterback position, and that’s going to be best achieved by closely evaluating both Nick Foles and Matt Barkley, who is definitely one to watch in the future. The Eagles already know what they have in Vick, and the most important thing is the fact that Vick is a 33-year-old who has just one year left on his deal.

Even though Chip Kelly would probably prefer to start Vick since he fits Kelly’s desired system better, the Eagles can’t just give up on the chance of Foles being “the guy”. While it isn’t likely based on watching his tape last season, it is entirely possible that he has made strides between now and then. Then again, there is a reason why he lost the starting gig to Vick.

Still, the biggest reason why the Eagles should start Foles over Vick this week is the fact that Vick suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5 against the New York Giants. As stated before by Kelly and Vick, health is of paramount importance at this stage, and Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur told reporters today that Michael Vick will not play until he is fully healthy. That’s a good policy, especially since it diplomatically gives the Eagle an “out” to start Foles. They can just say, “Oh, well Vick isn’t 100% and we don’t want to rush him,” as a justification for starting Foles.

Foles will take first-team reps until Vick is deemed fully healthy, and then the Eagles will make the call on who to start. That decision, of course, is up to Chip Kelly.

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