Eagles Add Insurance and Sign Quarterback Jeff Garcia

NFL News - September 15th, 2009 - Written by Scott

The Philadelphia Eagles have added a little insurance at the quarterback position by signing veteran Jeff Garcia. With the status of starting quarterback Donovan McNabb still uncertain for Sunday, the Eagles need another quarterback in addition to back up Kevin Kolb. Garcia is no stranger to Philadelphia. He started eight games for the Eagles in 2006 and was 6-2. Bringing in Garcia was a great decision according to Reid.

"We're lucky Jeff was available," Reid said. "He's someone who knows this offense and has been very successful in this offense. He can be a positive influence on Kevin Kolb."

McNabb has said that he has not ruled out playing against New Orleans on Sunday, despite cracking a rib in the team's opening game during the third quarter. He plans to take it on a day by day basis as to whether or not he will able to go against the Saints.

"Not necessarily, anything can happen. It's just Monday right now, but if Friday and Saturday come along and I'm feeling a lot better, you just never know," he said. "It's a slow process of just meeting with our trainers, doing two-a-days with treatment, going through the process of just like I'm playing in the game, and seeing how I feel at the end [of the week]."

The Eagles could find themselves in a shootout Sunday with the Saints and quarterback Drew Brees, who threw six touchdowns against Detroit on Sunday. Kolb hasn't had much success with the offense and adding Garcia is a great move to assist if Kolb can't get the job done. This will only factor in if McNabb can't go on Sunday. The 39 year old Garcia realizes that his stay in Philadelphia might be short, but is excited about the opportunity.

"Whether it's a week or two weeks or the entire season, I'm excited about the opportunity," Garcia said in a conference call. "As far as a team I can go to and blend right in, this is the team for me to do that."

The four time Pro Bowl selection was signed by Oakland in the offseason to assist starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell and push him for the starting job. After seeing very little playing time in preseason, the Raiders released him on September 5. During his time in Philadelphia, Garcia played well in his eight starts and had eleven touchdowns with only two interceptions. Garcia is loved by the fans in Philadelphia because of his fiery attitude and performance on the field. Ironically, Garcia's playing time with the Eagles came when McNabb tore his ACL. He went on to lead Philly to a NFC title and a playoff win against the Giants. In his career, Garcia has thrown for 25,537 yards and 161 touchdowns. He believes he still has the ability to be a great quarterback in the league.

"I didn't want it to be over," Garcia said. "I feel there's a lot of quality football left in me."

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