Throughout Eagles training camp the buzz has been that Tim Tebow might have the edge on Matt Barkley in their battle to be the No. 3 QB for Philadelphia this season, a role that carries significance because of start Sam Bradford's injury history.

Barkley is slated to start the Eagles' fourth and final preseason game on Thursday, though, which means Tebow's NFL days might be numbered. Both Barkley and Tebow are expected to play a significant amount Thursday night, but the starting nod means Barkley has the upper hand, per Philly.com.

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Tebow hasn't lost hope yet. He told reporters recently that he thinks his throwing-his biggest liability-has improved during the preseason. "I'm improved. I'm a lot more comfortable," Tebow told Philly Voice.

Eagles coach Chip Kelly agreed, and said the fourth preseason game will be telling.

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"I've seen improvements in his throwing motion since we got him in April. Sequencing his throwing motion, so he's gotten a lot more accurate. He's got a big week this week."

If Kelly went into this battle thinking Tebow must be extremely impressive to beat out Barkley, Tebow may need a miracle this Thursday. Tebow's performance in the first three games hasn't been a disaster by any stretch, but he has done nothing vs. other teams' reserve units that has been spectacular. He has completed 10-of-19 passes for 97 yards in his three appearances, and rushed for 50 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown came in the first week, in a game in which he was also sacked three times for 28 yards.

Barkley has gone 23-of-44, gotten more preseason snaps, and has the benefit of experience from being in Kelly's system last year. Barkley has called Kelly's offense "second nature" by now, and talked about getting his first start of the preseason.

"Excited to get in a rhythm early on, get my feet going, get the ball moving. . . . I don't feel any pressure at all. I don't think it's anything but just an exciting opportunity. I've been in this place to impress."

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