It feels like only yesterday that Nick Foles lifted the Eagles to a week 17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, cementing their place in the postseason. Foles had a historic year. 27-2. The numbers that saw his jersey join the likes of Peyton Manning. The Eagles crashed and burned in that first playoff game and since then, the career of Nick Roles has been a complete rollercoaster. But now, with an injury to their prized quarterback, he’s returned to finish what he started.
After the Eagles decided to part ways with a strangely overly confident Chase Daniel, Pederson turned to a man he knew all too well, Nick Foles. Pederson played a huge hand in bringing Roles to Philly to begin with and of course reunited with him in Kansas City for a short period. The former Eagles QB is known mostly for his stunning 27-2 TD/INT season under Chip Kelly, but has proven to be a competent starter, earning a 20-36 record overall coming into the season. The Eagles paid Foles a handsome sum as the ultimate insurance policy to Carson Wentz…but the offseason was anything but stable.
OTA’s rolled around. They say that the best kind of ability is availability…and it’s something that Foles, who signed a 2-year deal worth $11M, didn’t show. Foles missed two weeks of the spring workout period due to the arrival of his new Child and was expected to be raring to go for Training Camp.
When Camp arrived, Foles did too, but in a somewhat limited capacity. Missing most of what was a vital period with elbow soreness, the backup quarterback would also miss the entirety of preseason. So for the seasoned quarterback to return to NFL action with the game on the line against a budding playoff team in the Rams, to complete 6/10 passes and guide his team through the storm to a victory, the signs of a return on their investment is there.
“I love it.” Said an ecstatic Doug Pederson who has won his first crown as a Head Coach. “You know this guy has come in and he’s played a lot of football games in this league, he’s started in this league, guys have confidence in him, I have confidence in him. A great way to step in under these circumstances and then pull this game out. So it’s huge for Nick.”
For Foles, it was just another day in the life. This is what he was brought back to the City of Brotherly Love to do. The question now is, with the injury of Carson Wentz still clouded in uncertainty, can he be the quarterback to pick up where the MVP candidate left off?
“I’m absolutely ready, I mean that’s why I’m here.” Said Foles after winning his second NFC East title. “I’m ready to go. Prepare everyday, work everyday, so I’m ready to go if need be.”
Prior to this season, Foles last played in a game in November 6th last year as he guided the Chiefs to a win over the Jaguars. With his legs probably stiff on the sideline, Foles stepped into the fray when called upon and didn’t put a foot wrong. A crucial pass to Nelson Agholor put the nail in the coffin and gave the Eagles a sign of hope.
“You just have to do what you got to do.” Foles explained after the game. “You go in there a lot of times you’re just trying to find completions, trying to play fast because its been a while. So, you try to pick up the speed as much as you can and don’t try to make a bad play worse. You just go in and you’re really just trying to get the win and you’re leaning on the guys. The defense did an awesome job stepping up when (QB) Carson (Wentz) went down our guys really rallied. It means a lot to this team, it means a lot to me. I’m excited we’re NFC champs, but it’s emotional. The guy you work with everyday, you think the world of. I know I said earlier I think he’s the MVP. You know it’s not easy, but I know this team will step up and rally no matter what so we’ll see what will happen from here.”
The Eagles know what Foles is capable of. After all, it’s Pederson who gave him a future in Philadelphia to begin with. They know that the 2013 season (while inflated) was not a fluke and that he can indeed be a capable quarterback in this league. They’re paying a premium for a reason…and if the Eagles get even a fraction of the magic that he once injected into this city back over the next few weeks, then there is no reason why a deep playoff run isn’t still on the cards.
“A lot of confidence.” Those were the words from a familiar face in Brandon Graham. “I played with (QB) Nick (Foles) for years when he was here. He left and then he came back. I know what he’s all about. I know if he has to step up, he will.”
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
