Philadelphia Eagles QB Matt Barkley Impressing in OTAs
By Chris Roling
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Matt Barkley is stuck ina three-way battle with Michael Vick and Nick Foles for the starting job as the 2013 season looms.
Not many have given the fourth-rounder a chance to win the gig from Foles and Vick, but some say Barkely has been very impressive in offseason workouts. From Len Pasquarelli of The National Football Post:
"*Fourth-rounder Matt Barkley likely won’t figure into the Philadelphia Eagles’ competition for the starting quarterback job, a battle that should play out between Michael Vick and Nick Foles into training camp. But the former USC standout, who began last season as the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the eyes of many, has been fairly impressive in offseason workouts, and could loom as a key piece in the club’s long-term future. One reason is that Barkley has at least a cursory familiarity with Chip Kelly’s offense, having seen it from the sidelines in the Pac 12."
Heading into training camp it is widely thought that Barkely does not stand a chance and is more of a long-term solution. However, his familiarity with the offense already thanks to his days in the Pac-12 and what he has already shown in OTAs may make him a darkhorse candidate to start next season.
Barkley has a long way to go, but both Vick and Foles have to learn Chip Kelly’s new offense as well. From what we have already heard, this battle could be a lot closer than most have given it credit for, so stay tuned.
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