Is It in Chip Kelly's Best Interest to Wait to Name a Starting Quarterback?

Two of the most polarizing offensive talents on the Eagles roster want a starting quarterback named. And they want one as soon as possible.

The problem? Philadelphia's new head coach, Chip Kelly, isn't quite ready to do so, and it's smart not to be hasty on pulling the trigger.

Even though Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson both came out and expressed that they'd like a starter named before training camp, Kelly feels (as he should) that time is the only remedy to the current situation.

Whenever a new face comes in to lead a team and franchise, major change, consequentially, is normally slower especially in determining depth charts.

But when you have Kelly displacing a 14-year mainstay like Andy Reid, the transition is going to be far more deliberate and meticulous.

So why wouldn't choosing the best player to lead the offense be any less conscientious?

Upon reviewing the situation, it's pretty easy to understand why extensive contemplation is necessary.

Take Vick for example. Here's a guy who has a lot of drive and determination, but his decision-making has seriously lacked over the past two years.

He possesses the physical attributes to lead an up-tempo offense: strong arm, quick feet, etc.

But, it's the second or two longer he takes to read the field that could put a wrench in Kelly's offense. Also, he has to hold onto the ball or he'll be a backup in no time. 

Nick Foles constantly seems like an afterthought, and understandably so, considering he doesn't have one hugely defining feature as a passer.

However, Kelly is quite fond of him, and there's nothing to extremely loathe in Foles' arsenal, even though he's shown some reliance on checking down to short routes.

And lastly we have Matt Barkley.

A 22-year-old fourth-rounder out of Southern California, Barkley isn't expected to have in-roads for the starting role for Week 1.

He's an intriguing prospect, and it's definitely not out of the question that he sees some action in 2013. It's just not likely he's the man for the opener.

In fact, historically, it'd be bad to bet Barkley will start the majority of games for the Eagles this year.

The last time the Eagles had a rookie quarterback even tie for the majority of starts was John Reaves in 1972.

The odds are not in the former Trojan's favor, but we've seen crazier things happen (remember this?).

Here's the deal. The same questions and concerns regarding the quarterback carousel were raised before OTAs commenced.

The situation hasn't been brought true clarity, and until that point, Kelly won't appoint his starter.

So, we wait.

And even though Vick and Jackson might not like it, it's for the best of the team, even if it gets resolved just a few weeks before the season begins.