Brace yourself, Eagles fans.
It's time for a sequel. Here comes 'The Sanchize, Chapter Two.'
Yes, it appears Mark Sanchez will be behind center when the Birds face the Tampa Bay Bucs Sunday in South Philly.
Of course, no one at the NovaCare Compound is saying that. It's a state secret.
Sam Bradford was at practice yesterday, but did not participate. He suffered a concussion and shoulder injury in Sunday's debacle of a loss against the Dolphins.
It's the concussion that appears to be keeping him off the field. He probably could play with the injury to his left shoulder, but he's enmeshed in the NFL's concussion protocol. I would not be surprised if Bradford also misses the Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit.
Here's the good news: I will admit that the Eagles' tempo picked up with Sanchez running the show after he entered the game for Bradford in the third quarter.
Sanchez is a serviceable NFL quarterback. But he has a fatal flaw. That is his penchant for the killer turnover. It popped up again with 4:30 left in the game Sunday. Sanchez had looked sharp in marching the Eagles down the field and had them in position for no less than a field goal that would have given them the lead.
But on second down - that's right, second down, when he still had another play in his pocket - he tried to force a pass into Miles Austin and got it picked off. That's been the story of Sanchez's career, going back to the infamous 'Butt Fumble' play with the Jets. The guy is a turnover looking for a place to happen.
He didn't get any help on the play from Austin, who did not exactly distinguish himself on Sunday. In fact, if Chip Kelly wanted to deliver a message to his team that he is tired of the mistakes and sloppy play that has been their hallmark this year, he could have released Austin on Monday. Instead the coach tried to tell us his wideouts are just fine, that the game plan was to featured the tight ends.
The Eagles should beat the Bucs on Sunday. Yes, just like they should have beaten the Dolphins.
But here is what I really want. I want Mark Sanchez to complete a game without a turnover. No botched snaps. No interceptions. No butt fumbles. If he does that, the Eagles win and - incredibly - take over first place in the NFC Least.
If he does not, then we'll know 'The Sanchize, Part Two,' is just a remake of the same old story.
Comments