Philadelphia Eagles: It Doesn’t Matter Who Starts under Center in Week 1

The Philadelphia Eagles are the defending Super Bowl Champions after backup quarterback Nick Foles and a stingy defensive unit helped defeat the New England Patriots. While they are no longer the underdogs, the Eagles have a target on their back as the team takes part in the first week of training camp. Nick Foles and Carson Wentz are both active in training camp drills while the latter recovers from his injuries. The Eagles are in good shape no matter which quarterback begins under center in Week 1.

Foles clearly showed his skills last year as he kept the Eagles competitive as they won the franchise’s first Super Bowl. The win came after the Eagles were without multiple starts like Jason Peters, Darren Sproles, and Wentz. The next man stepped up and that bodes well for this season. Philadelphia has 37 new players currently on its roster, including undrafted free agent DL Adam Reth from Northern Iowa. While it’s unlikely Reth may make the final team roster, the move adds further depth and options for training camp and preseason games.

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Offensively, Wentz has been a full participant and has looked good in team drills so far with the team. This weekend the team will be practicing with full pads. As result, it will be interesting to see how much Wentz participates then. He is still completing his rehab and it’s wise to not rush Wentz through his recovery with a competent backup like Foles in the wing.

We’ve seen the Eagles being cautious with his participation as Wentz has participated in many team drills except 11-on-11 play. On Friday he practiced with the first team offense. Yes, Wentz is better than Foles. However, Foles is starting quarterback caliber for a majority of NFL rosters in 2018. For the Eagles, he clearly knows the offensive schemes enough to be successful.

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It wouldn’t be shocking if Wentz plays little during training camp. The last thing the Eagles need or fans want is for Wentz to go down again and his return to a meaningful game be prolonged further. Likewise, preseason games are many for those on the bubble to prove themselves and rookies to cement their role on the team.

Wentz’s role is clear when he is healthy. With the Eagles having a capable backup quarterback in Foles, there’s no need for the Eagles to rush Wentz back. Yes, Wentz would love to start Week 1 like any competitive person. However, the risk is not worth rushing his return to the field.

So far the road to recovery has been done smoothly and wisely. It doesn’t matter who the Eagles’ starting quarterback is in Week 1; Philadelphia is in good shape to break the historical trend and repeat as Super Bowl Champions in 2019. The NFC East team has the weapons offensively and defensively to repeat. Who is under center is just one piece of the equation.

Philadelphia has multiple options to consider in the backfield for a second straight year. With five running backs currently on the roster, it’s not out of the question that Philadelphia keeps them all after cuts are made. Each provides a different skill set and allows extra versatility to the Eagles offense. At wide receiver, the Eagles signed Mike Wallace to replace Torrey Smith who departed in the offseason.

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While there are many players that have come and gone since the Eagles won the Super Bowl last year, Philadelphia is still stacked at many positions. For example, they retained their entire starting offensive line and Peters comes back after being injured last year.

Wentz doesn’t need to rush back and Foles is able to keep things going in the right direction until he’s fully ready. While there’s nothing official saying who will start Week 1 or Week 2,  it would not be shocking if Wentz doesn’t play his first game until Week 3. He can practice with the first team and build up that chemistry. Furthermore, he can take part in team meetings and be the leader that he is. However, physically he won’t feel pressured to play even if he’s not fully ready to go.

All in all, the Philadelphia Eagles and its fans shouldn’t be concerned about who is the starting quarterback for Week 1. The Eagles are in good shape no matter who starts under center in Week 1.

Who would you start under center for the Philadelphia Eagles in week one? Leave a comment below.

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