From Zero To Hero: Nick Foles Puts Up Seven TD’s

Nick Foles returned as the Eagles starting quarterback this past Sunday, and did it in a major way. The second year QB tied an NFL record, throwing seven touchdown passes in Philadelphia’s 49-20 victory in Oakland.

Foles completed 22 of 28 passes for 406 yards, while spreading out an offense that was in need of a breakout game. The much talked about Eagles “potent” offense was nowhere to be found the prior two games before arriving in Oakland. Coming off two consecutive home losses to division rivals, the Cowboys & Giants, where the only touchdown scored came off a special teams fumble recovery, the 49 points was a much welcomed site for the Eagles and their fans.

The Eagles quarterback did a very impressive job of spreading out the offense, which included three touchdown passes to Riley Cooper (17 yards, 63 yards, & 5 yards), Desean Jackson (46 yards), Zach Ertz (15 yards), Brent Celek (2 yards), and LeSean McCoy (25 yards). With Michael Vick once again sidelined with a hamstring injury combined with Foles performance, one would think Foles would be named the starter the rest of the way. Think again.

Head coach Chip Kelly would not commit to Foles as the team’s number one starter even when Vick is healthy enough to return. When asked by a reporter at the conclusion of Sunday’s game if this victory is enough to name Foles the everyday QB with or without a healthy Vick, Kelly responded,” I think you’re more worried about it than Nick is.” It is difficult to imagine why Kelly would be so hesitant to declare Foles the permanent starter. It appears obvious that the offense is run more smoothly under Foles and barring the concussion issue two weeks ago, he is not as injury prone as Vick.

There could many many reasons as to why Kelly won’t commit to a starter. One possibility is Vick’s contract. The Eagles are paying Vick a lot of money on a one year deal, and feel that they want that contract to be justified.  It could also be the fact that Kelly likes both QB’s to push each other for the starting job.  Then again, there is the real possibility that the Eagles coach truly believes when healthy, Vick is a better option to play in his up tempo system.

One thing is certain though, Foles play is making it increasingly harder for Kelly to deny officially handing the job over to Foles. The fans in Philly already have made up their mind, Foles is their man. It may just be time for Chip Kelly to finally come to the same conclusion as the fans in Philadelphia.