How can they cut Trent Edwards?
Eagles 28, Jets 10
How can they cut Trent Edwards?
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
No one knows what the Eagles are thinking about their third quarterback. And, yes, the very fact that we are talking about the third quarterback makes this a quintessential Philadelphia conversation. But, that aside, it is getting harder and harder to believe that they are thinking about getting rid of Trent Edwards and keeping Mike Kafka instead.
Edwards played the final three quarters of the Eagles' 28-10 win over the New York Jets on Thursday night. He was very good, again. He was 22 for 32 for 197 yards, 2 touchdown and no interceptions. It was the latest in a string of solid, competent performances -- admittedly, against backup players -- that Edwards has put on this summer. Brought here as the presumed third-stringer, then left in no-man's land after the Eagles drafted Nick Foles, Edwards has watched as Foles played his way into the backup spot, and Kafka broke his hand. He has watched, and he as improved, and he has made the most out of his chance.
And here we are. Eagles coach Andy Reid did not rush Kafka back to play in this game because he says he has plenty of information to make his evaluation. Remember, he liked Kafka well enough to make him the backup in the off-season, and the only thing he has done wrong in a game is throw a single, wretched interception.
Is that enough to lose his job? Or is that the wrong question?
Because Edwards really has been good, and there is a body of opinion in the NFL that you want to have a veteran backup quarterback on your roster, just in case -- and starter Michael Vick is the ultimate just-in-case guy. On the other hand, there is no evidence that the Eagles subscribe to that theory. After all, their intention at the start of the summer was to have a young backup (Kafka) and an even younger third-stringer (Foles).
So, what to do?
It is hard to know.
It is also hard to ignore what Trent Edwards has done.
12 out of the last 23 teams that went undefeated in the preseason made the playoffs. The Eagles have at least a 50% chance to make the playoffs this year. I would cut Kafka, Cooper, Hall, Lewis, Dixon, and Jarrett.— PhileaglyersFan- Keep all 4 QBs then trade one for a draft pick.— Xyzzyx
- Nick Foles has played well against defenses that haven't game planned for him or the Birds' offense. Edwards should be #2 or traded.— 5280philly
- keep him bye bye kafka— CAVEMANJAMES
- Its been mentioned that the team might cut Edwards since it is widely believed that he will not be picked up and will stay a free agent. Does that mean the front office actually think that a team might scoop up Kafka if he were cut? Seriously? Are there really scouts and GM's, having meetings, saying to each other..."Man, I hope that Kafka gets cut"..??? That is really hard for me to believe. I know there is a dearth of talent at the QB position, but Kafka? Puhleeeese.
— scootch - My guess is that Indy would give him a serious look. That doesn't mean that the Eagles shouldn't cut him; they should. — Penfold18
- On the idea of "must" having a "veteran" back-up QB. I'll give you one name.......Vince Young........how did that work for ya Rich? Keep the kid, we're talking third string. Mike Vick isn't getting any younger, and wouldn't it be nice to have two guys coming along.— Craig321
- Trent, quick buy Andy a lifetime membership to the Old County Buffet because Kafka is already on his way there right now.— joey687
- Trent, quick buy Andy a lifetime membership to the Old County Buffet because Kafka is already on his way there right now.— joey687
Comment removed.- Who will the 3rd string quarterback be? Oh no, serious crisis.— cupajoe
- Haven't really seen Kafka play this season, but Edwards came in cold to the birds scheme and has performed quite well, plus he has a decent arm, I sure as heck don't know all the particulars here but I don't think I would cut Edwards, just sayin'...— DJ
- The Patriots were 1-3 in the 2004 preseason before they beat us in the Superbowl. You can't extrapolate from preseason, it's like trying to guess the weather. It's about making the team, and Edwards should. Let's go Birds!— hallux
- The 2008 Detroit Lions went 4-0 in the preseason.— joey687
- If anything needs to be cut its Reid's mustache.— Geno D
