Matt Barkley Shook Jitters Off For Philadelphia Eagles

By Joseph Hickman @phillytugger on August 11, 2013

Most of the quarterback talk about the Philadelphia Eagles centers on Michael Vick and Nick Foles. They’re the most ready and most experience to start the season as a starter — just don’t tell that to Matt Barkley.

This dude has never been second fiddle anywhere he has played. He has always been the no. 1 guy and has come out all offseason long  saying that he wants that spot. Hey, you gotta love that in a player, even if it is a long shot.

In his first-ever action in the NFL, Barkley started a little shaky when he entered in the second quarter. He ended up finishing 4-of-11 for 22 yards in the quarter. Mid-way through the third quarter, he began to find himself. He tied his yardage output in the second quarter with one throw, a 22-yard strike over the middle to Clay Harbor. After that, things seemed to settle down for him.

In the beginning of the fourth, he threw a quick screen pass to Greg Salas, who made a fantastic move for a 12-yard TD. Barkley finished the night 11-of-22 for 103 yards and a TD. Barkley was asked how he felt after the game via PhillyMag.com.

“When Chip got into that tempo package, I felt like I did better. I was much more in sync with what was going on. It felt right … this is the next stage and it’s a bigger stage. This is the highest level. I got the jitters out and I can move forward from here.”

Barkley always seems to say the right things. He is a very confident individual. My guess is that with Vick and Foles likely getting at least a quarter each this Thursday against the Carolina Panthers, Barkley will get at least a quarter as well. I seriously doubt he will be the opening day starter, but he is gunning for it.

Joseph Hickman is a Philadelphia Eagles writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @phillytugger, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+