At a time when some think the Jets’ quarterback competition was rigged in favor of rookie Geno Smith, there are reasons to wonder whether the competition in Philly was elongated for reasons unrelated to finding the best quarterback.
Per a league source, the competition between Mike Vick and Nick Foles ultimately was “not close.”
So why did it last as long as it did? Whether coach Chip Kelly planned it this way or not, forcing Vick to win the job has restored the edge he had in 2010, when he became the starter after Kevin Kolb was injured. In 2011 and 2012, the edge wasn’t there.
If Kelly meant to do it, it was a genius move. The quarterback he’ll have is much better than Vick would have been, if Vick hadn’t been forced to earn the job.
It also was a genius move for Kelly to suggest, but never to actually say, that the competition would last through the preseason. After closer review of the things Kelly said (and didn’t say), he never promised that he’d wait until after the preseason to name a starter. But the impression was created made the announcement that Vick won the job a pleasant surprise for Vick, who surely now feels proud and satisfied after spending much longer than he thought he should fighting for the job he presumed was his.
If Vick stays healthy, the Eagles and Vick will be far better off this year because of it.