Shurmur: Everybody should want Sanchez, but we have him

Mark Sanchez was in the Eagles' offensive meeting room this morning, Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said, indicating Sanchez isn't yet on his way to St. Louis.

That was an attempt at humor. But Shurmur seemed to understand why there would be buzz about the Eagles trading Sanchez, while he also underscored the No. 2 QB's importance to the Birds. The speculation right now surrounds St. Louis quarterback Sam Bradford's season-ending ACL injury, and the fact that Shurmur worked with Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer when they both were with the Jets.

"Those are just issues of the day, fun things for you guys to think about," Shurmur said. "Those aren't my decisions. Sure, I think everybody should be interested in Mark. I think he's done a good job, played well for us. He's won a lot of football games in the league (with the Jets). I've said it before, but he was sitting in the locker room at halftime of two AFC championship games, ahead. We're very glad to have him. I think he's added a lot to this team, as a football player and as a professional. Sure, lot of people should want him -- but we have him. So that's the reality."

After practice, Sanchez told reporters he doesn't "know where all this stuff comes from," even though in this case, the reason for the speculation ought to be pretty obvious. See paragraph 2 above.

Sanchez made it clear he would like to remain an Eagle. Asked about Schottenheimer, Sanchez said they communicated by "text every once in a while, the last three or four years."

Doesn't sound like they're real close.

Earlier, Shurmur was asked about the importance of having a dependable backup quarterback. "I think it's hugely important," Shurmur said. "You see time and time and time again, where the backup is thrust into a starting role. We're watching it happen in St. Louis now ... That's why the development of the quarterbacks is very, very important, the quarterback room -- you've heard me talk about that before -- is very important."

Shurmur said he wasn't surprised by Sanchez's 25-for-31, 281-yard preseason performance.

"We knew what he brought to the table, We knew his strengths and his weaknesses, and we thought he'd fit in well here," Shurmur said. "At least to this point, the way he plays, his style of play, translates to what we want to do. He makes good, quick decisions, he's right most of the time, and we're glad we got him."

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ESPN's Adam Schefter reported today that the Cardinals are releasing veteran kicker Jay Feely. (Veteran, as in 38 years old.) The Bills released kicker Dustin Hopkins, Bernard's brother. (Not really, just kidding.)

Anybody know a team with a kicking problem, that might want to take a look?

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Arrelious Benn (concussion) returned to practice Monday, as did Malcolm Jenkins, who indicated he just took a few mainentance days, didn't have an injury. Connor Barwin again sat out practice, as did Josh Huff and Julian Vandervelde

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