Start For Peete May Spell End For Cunningham

Quarterback Rodney Peete is expected to make his first start for the Philadelphia Eagles today against the New Orleans Saints. That all but signals the end of the line in Philadelphia for Randall Cunningham, who is in the final year of his contract and never quite got the hang of the San Francisco-style offense Ray Rhodes implemented.

Cunningham did complete 61 percent of his passes, but he averaged an NFC-worst 5.08 yards per attempt. He also threw more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (three) and was benched in two games.

Peete has the patience in the pocket that Cunningham lacks, which makes him a better fit in this scheme. Peete will work his way through his progression of three or four reads on a play. Cunningham wants to scramble after the first two.

“Rodney is a feisty player,” Rhodes said. “I’m looking for someone to give us a spark.”

It marks the first start for Peete since last December with the Dallas Cowboys. It will give him starts in three consecutive seasons with three different teams. He also started 10 games for the Detroit Lions in 1993.

Headaches

St. Louis quarterback Chris Miller has suffered four concussions in the last 13 months, including one in last week’s game against Chicago. That resulted in a $12,000 fine against Bears’ linebacker Vinson Smith for a blow to the head. Miller complained of some headaches last week but said he intends to play today against Indianapolis.