Andy Reid gets a thumbs up for keeping a lid on his quarterback situation.

Eagles coach Andy Reid has been criticized for many things this season, some justified, and some just talk radio fodder.

But there must be credit given for the job he has done managing a difficult situation that could have gone bad.

But with Eagles enter their game this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans (1:00 p.m. FOX) with a chance to into the break with a 5-2 record and visions of a NFC East title.

He has done it with two quarterbacks who have played very well overall each earning league honors at one point for their play behind center.

No one considers players getting hurt lucky, but in the Eagles case it has actually made it easier for Reid to slide his players in and out of the lineup with a minimum of fuss.

Named the starter in training camp, Kevin Kolb suffered a first-half concussion in the opener against Green Bay.

Mike Vick came in and rallied the Birds from a 20-3 deficit to make the game interesting. The Eagles eventually fell 27-20, Vick played well.

With Kolb on the sideline, Vick led the Eagles to a wins over Detroit and Jacksonville earning Player of the Month honors.

But in the hyped game against Washington and Donovan McNabb, Vick was knocked out of the game with a rib injury and Kolb was back in the lineup.

The Eagles lost but Kolb played decently going 22 of 35 for 201 yards, one TD and an interception.

Just when it looked the season my slipped from their grip, Kolb rallied the Eagles to wins over San Francisco and a tough Atlanta Falcons team that came to Lincoln Financial Field sporting a 4-1 record.

Kolb destroyed the visitors passing for 326 yards and three TDs in a 31-17 win. Kolb was named NFC Player of the Week.

Have the Eagles managed this situation as best any group of players and coaches could have imagined?

“I think so,” right tackle Winston Justice said. “I think the team is different. We have two really good quarterbacks and we really don’t mind who is back there.”

Has it helped each QB is enjoying award-winning season?

“It does make it a little easier,” Justice said.” There are lots of teams in the NFL that don’t have one (quarterback). We have two, so it’s cool.”

Reid named Kolb the starter against Tennessee while Vick’s ribs continued to heal. There was no rush to bring him back which is a rare luxury in the NFL.

Vick, a free agent after the season, is already a hot property.    

“I think Michael’s primary thing – it’s just what he said the other day – I think his primary thing is just getting back to where he feels healthy enough to go out there and contribute in some ways,” Reid said this week “He’s working overtime in the training room and trying to make sure all that it’s right. There’s no conflict between the two or worry between the two right now. He’s just trying to get himself healthy.”

After Vick’s string of outstanding performances, Reid named him the starter for the season. Kolb made things interesting with his play since. Will Reid reverse himself again?

“I haven’t even thought about that,” Reid said. “We’re worried about Tennessee right now and we’re not worried about starting jobs. You guys can worry about all that. We’re worried right now about trying to put together a game plan, learn the game plan and execute the game plan. That’s what I think Kevin is focused in on, that’s what we’re focused in on as coaches. I haven’t thought about all that other stuff.”

Justice the feeling in the locker room is to let the coaching staff handle the situation. He said there are no pockets of guys favoring one quarterback over the other. Justice said it was a testament to Reid skills as a coach.

“Andy’s a good, consistent coach,” Justice said. “And it’s hard to be consistent in the NFL. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication…and Andy has that.”

And Reid, will he be happy with 5-2 going into the break? He has lost so many players to injury and played musical chairs at quarterback, usually a formula for disaster.

“Well, sitting here right now that’s a pretty astute question,” Reid said with a slight smile. “Sitting here right now, that would be a good thing. Yeah, that would be good.”