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Who Makes the Eagles Roster: Quarterback/Specialist

There’s an argument to be made for keeping just two quarterbacks on the Eagles roster.

The Eagles narrowed their roster from 90 to 75 and still have to get to 53 for the regular season by Saturday. We have reviewed seven positions, and this is the last. Here's the lineup:

Aug. 24: Defensive line
Aug. 25: Linebacker
Aug. 26: Wide receiver/tight end
Aug. 27: Offensive line
Aug. 28: Cornerback
Aug. 31: Safety
Sept. 1: Running back
Sept. 2: Quarterback/specialist

QUARTERBACK

LIKELY TO KEEP: 3

WHO STAYS

Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley

There's an argument for keeping just two quarterbacks. Fifteen out of 32 teams kept only two quarterbacks last season – Bears, Bengals, Bills, Broncos, Browns, Chargers, Colts, Dolphins, Jaguars, Jets, Patriots, Ravens, Saints, Seahawks, and Vikings. There were commonalities with most of those teams: The starter was an established quarterback, not typically prone to injury. And after the backup, there wasn't a young, developmental type on the roster. The Eagles don't really have the first component. Sam Bradford, as we know, has been prone to injury over his career. But the Eagles also don't have a developmental-worthy quarterback in the system. They've said all they need to say about their opinion of Matt Barkley with his place on the depth chart after two full seasons and a training camp. And now he's battling to retain that third spot with a guy who hasn't played in the NFL in nearly three years and lacks consistent accuracy.

I get the argument for keeping Tim Tebow. I still think it's possible that Chip Kelly decides to keep him over Barkley. As expressed above, Barkley's window as a possible future starter here has long closed. And if the Eagles are forced to go to a third quarterback for an extended period, the season is already doomed. So why not keep a guy who can potentially help out on game days? Tebow, the thinking goes, can be a weapon on short-yardage plays or on two-point conversion attempts. I've yet to really see it. Kelly tried a few two-pointers against the Packers, but both attempts failed. Andrew Gardner missed a block on a Tebow keep, and Tebow errantly threw to a slanting Nelson Agholor on the second. While the blocking wasn't perfect on the first, the argument could be made that Tebow should be able to get that last yard on his own. Isn't that why you keep him? Otherwise, if the blocking was sound, I'm fairly sure even Bradford could have walked into the end zone.

As far as throwing the ball – and we saw it on the slant to Agholor – Tebow still has his struggles. Kelly said this week that his throwing motion is better. If so, it still takes an extra click to get the ball out and that often affects the timing, release and, ultimately, the accuracy. Tebow is OK on short tosses between the numbers. Downfield throws are a problem. Barkley can make most of those throws. But he doesn't have enough arm strength to be consistent downfield. Barkley isn't bad. He just isn't great enough in one area to offset being average in nearly every other category.

As for the two quarterbacks assured of making the team, Bradford has had a near-ideal camp and preseason. He suffered no setbacks to his knee or any other part of his body, and has steadily progressed running Kelly's offense. He's ready to go for the season. Baring another injury, Bradford should put up impressive numbers over 16 games. Sanchez never really got the opportunity to compete for the starting spot. It's not as if it would have made any difference. Bradford is clearly better. Sanchez had some shaky moments in camp and the first preseason game, but he also has made corrections and shown that he can effectively run this offense. He's a more-than-competent backup who can win you games off the bench if necessary. The Eagles might need him this season in a pinch. Beyond that, he has limitations.

WHO GOES

Tim Tebow

I could change my mind after Thursday's game against the Jets (or even later today), but I have Barkley in and Tebow out as of this writing. I can't get inside Kelly's head. He obviously has an affinity for Tebow. He's the only NFL coach to give him a shot in two years. But Tebow is the worst thrower of the football I've ever seen in eight years covering the NFL. I haven't been overly impressed with his running speed and athleticism, either.

SPECIALIST

LIKELY TO KEEP: 3

WHO STAYS

Cody Parkey, Donnie Jones, Jon Dorenbos

Cody Parkey hasn't been automatic this summer. He had one of the best rookie seasons for a kicker, but did struggle down the stretch as he battled a groin injury. The groin (in his right kicking leg) has been bothering him again. He didn't kick last week against the Packers and isn't likely to kick against the Jets. Parkey showed last season that he has good leg strength and can kick game winners. But his resume is still short. He'll bear watching early this season. Donnie Jones wasn't as consistent last season as he was in 2013, but he's still one of best at dropping punts inside the 20. Joe Dorenbos is the longest-tenured Eagle, and for good reason: He long snaps as well as anyone. Dorenbos is entering the final season on his contract.

WHO GOES

Kip Smith

If Parkey was 100 percent healthy, Kip Smith would have been gone earlier. But he'll handle kicking duties in the preseason finale.