Quarterback Matt Barkley is prepared and ready to get back on the field this Sunday for the Eagles' first preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. With Sam Bradford out and a limited amount of reps for the starters planned, Sunday should be Barkley's most extensive action since the preseason finale against the Jets last season.
"I feel healthy. I feel strong. I feel ready to go. I feel in control of this offense," said Barkley.
Using the past season as a stepping stone, Barkley said, "I just want to show Coach (Chip) Kelly, my teammates and the fan base that I can play. I can throw the ball down the field for completions, protect the ball."
Barkley has learned to have a more mental approach to the game and has seen himself grow in more than one way. He is learning from the other players and trying to maximize his improvements on and off the field.
"I think I've developed a lot as a quarterback this offseason," said Barkley, who attempted just one pass in 2014.
According to Barkley, you must be methodical and take it one play at a time in order to be successful on the field. That is something he is better equipped to do entering his third NFL season.
"We push it so fast in practice, our defense gets used to it. They get lined up quicker, but often times when you get in the game the other teams just not ready for it. They don't know where to line up and that's why big plays start happening," he said.