Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Mark Sanchez reportedly can earn the starting role if he plays well in their next two games, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
Quarterback Sam Bradford is sitting out Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is expected to miss their Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions, according to Eliot Shor-Parks of NJ.com. Bradford suffered a shoulder injury and a concussion against the Miami Dolphins last week, but he won't be the only Eagles player to sit out this weekend, as running back Ryan Mathews has also been ruled out with a concussion.
The Eagles are in a tight race in the NFC East and only sit a half game behind the New York Giants at 4-5 on the season. Head coach Chip Kelly will want to see how Sanchez produces in his offense, and if successful, he could earn the starting position.
Sanchez struggled in relief for Bradford against the Dolphins last week, and he threw for 156 yards with an interception. The Eagles' fast-paced offense likes to move the ball down the field quickly, and ball security is of major importance to every NFL team. Sanchez has thrown 82 career touchdowns to 81 career interceptions and will have to prove that he can limit the turnovers as the starting quarterback for the Eagles.
Bradford has not proven himself to be the Eagles franchise quarterback, and he has struggled this season with 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Bradford had played well in the Eagles last two games before getting injured but has not done enough this season to solidify his starting spot. Sanchez faces a challenge against the Buccaneers defense Sunday afternoon, but he can play himself into the starting role with a great performance and a win.
