Eagles coach Andy Reid’s first move aimed at improving his team involved firing defensive coordinator Juan Castillo. Reid apparently plans no similarly drastic moves on offense.
Yet.
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com (i.e., the Eagles are getting the word out to the local media), Vick will remain the starting quarterback and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg will continue to call the plays when the Eagles emerge from their bye week with a showdown against the undefeated Falcons. It makes plenty of sense to give Vick a chance to face his former team, in the hopes that the extra kick in the butt will help Vick rediscover the magic of 2010 that he gradually has lost in the last two seasons.
But unless Vick parties like it’s 2010, Reid at some point will go with Foles. That’s not a report; it’s a fact.
The “team sources” who leaked to McLane and Frank that Vick will be the starter didn’t say that Vick will be the starter for the rest of the year or provide any similar sign of support for a guy has gotten none from the Eagles this year. Reid, in our (or at least my) estimation, thinks that if the team shows enough hope and potential with rookie Nick Foles, owner Jeffrey Lurie may get nervous that: (1) he won’t find someone who can do as well as Reid; and (2) Reid will be gobbled up by a team like the Chargers and then finish what he started with another team.
So, yes, Vick will continue to be the guy whom Reid will try to ride to the postseason. But if/when Reid senses it all falling apart, Foles will be the guy Reid uses to save his job.
And barring a Super Bowl appearance under Vick, Foles undoubtedly will be the starter next year, if Reid returns.