The guy who’s competing for the Eagles’ third quarterback job who actually played better didn’t get a standing ovation, and isn’t the object of natural curiosity.
At least Matt Barkley gets it.
The non-Tim Tebow on the depth chart below Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez seems to be handling the non-attention he’s getting well, anyway.
“Doesn’t bother me,” Barkley said, via Mike Sielski of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Barkley was 12-of-20 passing for 192 yards, and simply looked more comfortable throwing the football than Tebow (the interception was on a tipped ball, so he gets a pass on that).
And as much as it might chafe anyone to be asked about the guy he’s competing with, Barkley said he understands the appeal of the guy trying to take his job.
“He’s a fan favorite and he’s a good teammate,” Barkley said. “He played well today for not playing in a year or two, whatever it’s been. He did a good job. It’s pretty funny to see their reaction. He’s loved everywhere he goes, as he should be. He’s a great person. Love him as a teammate.”
Of course, there are holes in that quote big enough to run a, say for instance, a large running quarterback through. The fact you have to point out that Tebow hadn’t played in two years, or that he’s just a swell guy underscores the difference between the two.
Barkley might be better at the stuff you want a traditional quarterback to do, and it might not matter in the least.