Last call for Tebow mania?

Only in Philadelphia would fans spend this much time debating a guy who likely will never get on the field.

Of course, complicating matters is the fact that one of them happens to be Tim Tebow.

Yes, Tebow mania will face a crucial test as the Eagles wind up their exhibition season Thursday night when they travel up the Jersey Turnpike to face the Jets.

Tebow is locked in a battle with Matt Barkley for the No. 3 quarterback job.

At this point it's a little hard to remember that Tebow spent last year in the broadcast booth. That's right, he was out of football, doing commentary on SEC games.

He is making a comeback bid, and like everything that surrounds him, it is oversized, starting when he received a standing ovation as he trotted onto the field in the Birds' preseason opener.

Neither Barkley nor Tebow has exactly stood out so far.

Coach Chip Kelly has indicated Barkley will likely play the first half Thursday night, with Tebow getting the bulk of the work in the second half.

Looking on from the sidelines will be starter Sam Bradford and backup Mark Sanchez.

At least one person thinks neither Barkley nor Tebow necessarily make the team. Beat writer Bob Grotz makes the case for not having a third-string quarterback, instead using that key roster spot to bolster another position.

Tebow brings with him some intriguing possibilities, in particular when it comes to the red zone and two-point conversions. But the truth is that neither if the Eagles get down to a situation where either Barkley or Tebow is playing meaningful minutes, that means something has gone wring with both Bradford and Sanchez.

And not much that Tebow or Barkley will do is likely to reverse that lethal blow.

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