Eagles Preparing For Rookie Quarterback On Sunday
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mark Sanchez knows the feeling.
The Eagles quarterback remembers what it was like to stand under center as a rookie quarterback. It is baptism by fire in the NFL for a first-year signal caller, something Zach Mettenberger is experiencing this season. The Titans rookie quarterback will be playing in his fifth game of the season on Sunday when the Titans take on the Eagles at the Linc. While Sanchez is hoping Mettenberger's best day won't be on Sunday, he can understand what the rookie is experiencing.
"It's a blur and a whirlwind," said Sanchez. "Just a lot of stuff flying around. You try and retain as much as you can. You try and go with what you're best at. That's kind of the case where I was at."
Mettenberger has had his share of ups and downs in his first season. He has thrown five touchdown passes and four interceptions. However, Chip Kelly has been impressed with what he's seen from the rookie and knows his defense will be challenged on Sunday.
"He's got an NFL arm," Kelly said. "I think that kind of jumps out on the tape when you watch him make all the throws he makes. There's a toughness to him. I think he stands in the pocket. He does not look at the rush. He doesn't pay attention to anything going on. He's looking for open receivers and doing a really good job at putting the ball on guys."
Mettenberger's play has grabbed the attention of the Eagles defense. Linebacker Casey Matthews has been doing his homework all week on the rookie, and believes Mettenberger has plenty of talent along with plenty of weapons to work with in the Tennessee offense.
"He's got arm strength," said Matthews. "He's a young quarterback. They're record's 2-8, but they actually have a lot of talent on offense. They've been in a lot of games."
The Eagles have talked all week about not looking ahead to their game in Dallas on Thanksgiving. Their focus remains squarely on the Titans and shutting down Mettenberger. Emanuel Acho is taking the same approach to facing Mettenberger and the Titans as he did to facing the Packers last week.
"Mettenberger can make all the throws," Acho said. "They're good at the skill positions. They have the potential. You're record doesn't always accurately depict the kind of team you are. We have to play them as a Super Bowl contender."
Eagles Guard Matt Tobin returned to practice on Thursday after missing time with a concussion, but Kelly wouldn't say if Tobin would start on Sunday.
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