Todays Topic: Nick Foles "Future QB or Bust QB?"
The Philadelphia Eagles have huge questions they need to answer before the start of the regular season. The most prominent position they must examine carefully is the quarterback position. Today in football, more than ever, that a team is revolved around it's quarterback. Playing quarterback in the NFL carries so much attention and scrutiny, it can define a teams destiny. Here, the Eagles could pave their future for the better or one wrong decision could decide a future fall for this great team. The conversation that the front office of the Eagles Organization will continue to assess will be with which quarterbacks they feel will best support Michael Vick.
Andy Reid has had only one losing season since 2002 and two seasons with a .500 record. The remaining seasons were winning records thanks in part of quarterback play by Donovan McNabb and backup quarterbacks such as A.J. Feeley, Jeff Garcia, Koy Detmer and Tim Hasselbeck. Donovan McNabb played in 16 games-a full season only 4 times in his time in Philadelphia. In 2002 he missed 6 regular season games due to a broken ankle and the Eagles remained victors thanks in part to the backup quaterbacks such as Koy Detmer and AJ Feeley. Despite being the #2 QB, Detmer showed brilliance taking over the team until he dislocated his elbow halfway into the first regular season game without McNabb (week 12). Feeley finished the game well, keeping the Eagles on a winning record. The Eagles ended the season 12-4. Without a supporting cast of decent backup quarterbacks, the 2002 season could have been disastrous and may have been the tipping point back to failure of being the laughing stock of the division and league instead of one of the elite teams during the 2000's. Time and Time again, backup quarterbacks have been placed in critical games that determine a season being a bust or success. In this case, the Philadelphia Eagles backup has prevailed...for the most part.
Now in 2012, which line-up will continue a winning trend for the Philadelphia Eagles? Michael Vick is considered a top 10 QB or even top 5 in the league, but there is no question that he only averages 13 games in a season. He has only played in one full season and that was with the Atlanta Falcons. So many analysts have stated that he needs to slide or give up on plans to keep himself healthy. There lies the problem. A tiger cannot change his stripes. Michael Vick is an aggressive athlete that continues to battle. If he changes who is he, he will no longer be the dynamic Vick that we either love or hate. That being said, if he cannot last an entire season, who do you see as being the #2 QB for the Philadelphia Eagles?
Kafka?
Edwards?
Foles?
Kafka has injured his non throwing hand during this preseason; therefore, its hard to assess where he stands among QBs on this team. He had a great showing last year, but when he was given a fair chance, he still lacks experience. Since the front office has a decision to make will they rely solely on his past stats or trade him while his stock is still high?
Edwards has not played a regular season game since 2010 and was only signed by the Oakland Raiders for preseason where he was cut before the 2011 regular season. So far in this preseason, he has made the most of the opportunities. In the third preseason game against the Browns, he went 14-17 passing for 127 yards and a TD. He has been accurate and overall has definitely made the Eagles second guess who the #2, #3 QBs should be for Philly. The downside for Edwards was how he was in camp. The Eagles felt in camp he would not be the best choice for a backup or #3 QB. Now, after pre-season success, would it be wise to have a veteran such as Edwards?
Or...
Nick Foles was drafted in the third round. Many Philadelphia Eagles fans were surprised since it was set in stone Vick is our number one and Kafka our #2. It seemed like Foles would be another A.J Feeley or backup QB who has talent, but nothing to overpower the NFL. Nick Foles did well in camp, but now during pre-season games Nick Foles is a force to be reckoned. He has 6 touchdowns, with 2 interceptions (both of these came on double coverage and deep balls he forced), but after those throws he lead the team to a TD. Clearly Foles is a quick learner and can bounce back after mistakes.
Commentators and Coaches alike know that pre-season games are great to solidify a team and assess the talent, but starts do not play an entire game, they play series. Coaches know that Foles has been throwing against number 2 and 3 defenses. Most recently he started and played significant time against the starting lineup of the Browns. He did well. Even though some say those starters do no play at full speed or are fine-tuning their talent, Foles shows promise. More than just stats alone, he seems to play with an edge. He commands the offense well, he rallies the team, and continues to improve.
Doesn't hurt that he is 6 feet and 6inches tall. It makes it easier for him to scan the field and receivers to see his release from the pocket.
When the dust settles, I believe Foles will eventually be a starting QB and succeed. Sadly getting that chance will stem from Vick being injured and then the NFL will see what Nick Foles brings to any team let along the birds. The question will remain if he stays in Philadelphia will he remain stuck as the backup or 3rd stringer? Right now the Eagles have 3 solid QB's following Vick, one team will be lucky picking up the QB that the Philadelphia Eagles release.
Best bet for long term for the Eagles: Vick, Foles, and Edwards
Worst Case: Vick, Kafka, Foles
The Philadelphia Eagles best QB lineup should be Vick, Foles is the #2 assuming he gets into a few regular season games, I sense Foles will produce followed by Edwards because he has experience and has done very well in his snaps during pre-season. I value the job Kafka has done for the Philadelphia Eagles, but here they can use his stock and trade or receive value for his youth and poise, but if they let go Edwards nothing will arise to benefit the Eagles. The Eagles cannot have two youthful QB's with both being potential #1 QBs because the other would be a starter elsewhere and in this day and age, money and a starting position could decide if these QB's will stay or leave Philly.
Who would you choose? Youthfulness to your football team to back up your injured prone QB or mix experience with youth and take a chance?
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