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It happened again this week. The next backup quarterback for the Eagles, Cody Kessler, sustained a concussion in the first quarter of the second preseason game and will be out for awhile.
Last week, I suggested that they might, perhaps, look to Colin Kaepernick as a potential backup. I also suggested that they probably would not, fearing fan backlash. Well, the opportunity arose again this week and so, too, did the question about whether to seriously look at Kaepernick.
The question was quickly answered when the Eagles signed former Jets’ and nine other NFL teams’ quarterback, Josh McCown. I guess, ironically, despite traveling around the league (Cardinals, Lions, Raiders, Panthers, 49ers, Bears, Buccaneers, Browns, Jets) this is the first NFC East team that he has played for.
McCown was slated to be an NFL ESPN analyst this season, but it was hard to turn down a guaranteed $2 million with the potential to make $5.4 million to play one season, especially at the age of 40. ESPN certainly was not paying that kind of money and, supposedly, they said McCown would have the broadcasting job following this season. Talk about a “win-win”.
The other Eagles’ quarterback, Clayton Thorson, moves, once again, to being the backup to the backup. McCown will get a lot of work in the final preseason game. With that said, Carson Wentz, it appears, will not see any “real game” action before the start of the season. With his injury history the past two seasons and the preseason quarterback injuries, the Eagles simply cannot take a chance on getting him hurt.
The Eagles look like a potential Super Bowl contender. So with the availability of former quarterbacks, Matt Cassel, Sam Bradford, Brock Osweiler, and, of course, Colin Kaepernick, did they make the right choice. They certainly acquired experience, but the big question that, hopefully, will never need to be answered is whether or not they acquired skill.
This is not a Bryce Harper situation, but for Philadelphia fans, this decision could end up being just as important. Let’s hope the front office made the right one.
It all starts in earnest on September 8, when the Redskins come to Philadelphia.
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)
- This past Sunday the Cubs played the Pirates in Williamsport during the Little League World Series. Now that is a cool idea for everyone. Next year, on August 13, 2020, the Yankees will play the Chicago White Sox on the Field of Dreams in Iowa. It is the first MLB game ever played in Iowa. This is an even cooler idea.
- As I write this, the Phillies are one game behind the Cubs and 2.5 games behind the Nationals for the Wild card playoff berth. They have been playing better, but will it be good enough.
- Well-known football and basketball official, Dr. Frank DeAngelo, has taken over the reins of the Easton Area School District. He was named this past week as their interim superintendent to allow the school board to search for a permanent one. He makes the right calls on the field and on the court so chances are he will do the same for the school district.
- Last week, I mentioned that Notre Dame would be honoring Deacon Anthony Koury by naming their football stadium after him this Friday. With the typical Tony Koury humility, he has asked them not to do that. He felt there are more deserving people. Notre Dame acceded to his wishes. That’s Tony!
- Northwestern at Notre Dame on August 23 and Bethlehem Catholic at Freedom on August 30 should give us some early indications whom the favorite will be in the Colonial League and the EPC South. Do your scouting on RCN-TV LIVE on the next two Fridays.
**I’ll offer up an extra muse this week by congratulating the Limeport Bulls on winning their fourth Blue Mountain League baseball championship in the past five years. The championship series went to a Game Five as they beat the Northampton Giants 5-3. Congratulations to both teams.
