Mark Sanchez is confident there is a quarterback competition preparing to happen for the Philadelphia Eagles, but is that really the case? The Eagles signed Sanchez to a multi-year contract and he does have the most experience in the system as a starter, but the trade for Sam Bradford threw a wrench into that idea. Sanchez might be on top during OTAs, but once Bradford is healthy will he be the immediate No. 1 guy?
Sanchez told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the only reason he re-signed with the Eagles was because he was told a chance at the starting job was attainable. That took place when Philadelphia had Nick Foles still on the roster and that idea did not seem so crazy. Now with Bradford available, Sanchez might not be the starter like he was expecting to be.
According to Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com, Sanchez might have had a better year than Bradford in 2014, but the former St. Louis Rams is the likely starter for the team given what Philadelphia gave up to get him. Coming off back-to-back knee injuries, Bradford is a huge risk for the Eagles, but the team is confident he is a star and potentially the future of the franchise.
"We've been throwing for the past three weeks and I can honestly say I've thrown with Andrew, Nick [Foles] and other guys, and I don't think I've thrown with a guy who has a stronger arm than Sam Bradford," Ertz said, via CSNPhilly.com. "He hasn't been able to really truly get his full legs underneath him. But the ball still comes out effortlessly, and it's a lot of fun to run routes with him."
Sanchez's best chance at earning the starting job is going to come during OTAs and potentially some of training camp. According to Philly.com, Bradford has not been active in OTAs for the team as he continues to rehab. The quarterback can work on throws, but he has yet to participate in team drills while only being nine months removed from another ACL tear. The Eagles have yet to give a time table on his recovery which means Sanchez must take advantage of this opportunity.
The Eagles have a slew of new offensive weapons in place for the quarterback to work with. Jordan Matthews, Riley Cooper and Josh Huff return to the helm while Nelson Agholor and Miles Austin look to make an impact immediately as well. OTAs will be important to the quarterback battle. Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow are also fighting for time on the field so there are plenty of headlines to monitor over the next few weeks.
