Skip to content
Eagles
Link copied to clipboard

Vick still No. 1 on Eagles' depth chart

WE STILL haven't heard anything from Andy Reid, but the updated depth chart on the Eagles' website reflects Michael Vick as the starting quarterback.

Michael Vick has thrown eight interceptions so far this season. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)
Michael Vick has thrown eight interceptions so far this season. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)Read more

WE STILL haven't heard anything from Andy Reid, but the updated depth chart on the Eagles' website reflects Michael Vick as the starting quarterback.

Reid hasn't spoken since the moments following Sunday's 30-17 loss to the visiting Atlanta Falcons, when the Eagles coach said he intended to "go back and look at everything. I'm not going to sit here and make [rash] decisions. I'm going to go back and look at it and analyze it."

Hurricane Sandy postponed Reid's usual day-after news conference Monday and then again Tuesday. As of Tuesday night, nothing was scheduled for Wednesday.

Over the past few days, sources close to Vick and rookie quarterback Nick Foles have said the QBs have not been informed of any change in the pecking order. Vick's play seemed to be a much less pressing problem in Sunday's loss than that of the offensive line or the defense, but overall, he has been mediocre, and previous losses certainly were affected by his eight interceptions and five lost fumbles.

Foles, of course, hasn't taken a snap in a game since the preseason. It is difficult to envision a coach who needs to make the playoffs to keep his job turning to a rookie QB to do that, especially one who did not come into the league with the high first-round luster of a Robert Griffin III or Andrew Luck. A switch to Foles likely would be a long-term move by a short-term coach. It might make more sense to try to get Vick untracked against the NFL's worst defense Monday night, when the 3-4 Eagles visit the 2-5 Saints.

Vick fueled the controversy after Sunday's game when he responded to a question about what Reid had just said by offering that Reid "obviously" was considering changing quarterbacks, and that though he wanted to continue, if the coach decided to make a change, he would support the decision.

A Vick spokesman has since said that the QB was misinterpreted, that he very much looks forward to remaining the starter.

Had such a moment arrived a year ago, Eagles players likely would have given Vick a strong public endorsement, but last season's disappointments and this season's stumbles have eroded his standing everywhere, not only with the fans. Eagles who have spoken on the matter seem OK with sticking with Vick, but tend to note that they also would be OK giving Foles a try.

Birdseed

The only change on the depth chart released Tuesday was rookie Fletcher Cox' ascension to a starting defensive tackle spot ahead of Derek Landri. Cox started against the Falcons . . . Former Eagles defensive tackle Antonio Dixon passed through waivers after being released by the Colts . . . The NFL extended its trading deadline until 4 p.m. Thursday because of the effects of Hurricane Sandy. The Eagles might try to unload a defensive lineman, if tackle Mike Patterson is close to joining the 53-man roster.