We're deep into the second week of training camp. It's about time for some leaders to emerge in quarterback battles around the NFL. Michael Vick and Geno Smith sound like they are stepping up.
Jordan Raanan of NJ.com wrote that Vick "won the day" by a mile on Wednesday over Nick Foles. While that's only one day of work, Raanan wrote that Foles "hasn't looked the same" since the Eagles put pads on Sunday. Foles reportedly has held the ball longer and looked less decisive.
Vick, who hit DeSean Jackson with two long touchdowns, also scrambled for a number of big plays. NJ.com has kept practice stats throughout the month, and Vick and Foles have been largely even overall. But the tie will go to the veteran with the larger salary, and it sounds like Vick is pulling ahead.
(Matt Barkley, meanwhile, is only practicing with the third-team offense. And he's struggling in that role.)
While the veteran steps up in Philadelphia, the opposite appears to be true in New York. Reports regarding Geno Smith's practices consistently have been more positive in training camp than they were in organized team activities and minicamp.
Meanwhile, Mark Sanchez went 3-of-10 with an interception in Wednesday's practice. ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini believes Smith has taken a lead in the race. Sanchez was asked if he's leading the competition.
Brooks: QB battle breakdown
The quarterback races raging across the NFL promise to shape the season. Bucky Brooks picks winners. **More ...**
"Um, I don't know. Ask the coaches," Sanchez said, via Newsday. "I don't know. It depends on who you ask. I'm not really worried about it. I feel good. I feel comfortable."
Those aren't the normal confident words we are used to hearing from Sanchez. He's noticed all the attention on the quarterback battle.
"When you take a step back or you're sipping water and you just kind of give a glance around, it's like: 'Doesn't that guy work upstairs? What's he doing out here?'" Sanchez said, via Newsday.
Sanchez has said he embraces the pressure, but his play at the end of last season lacked confidence. If he doesn't turn around his training camp play soon, Smith will be the choice to start in Week 1.
The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.
