Philadelphia Eagles: Five Observations vs. Cardinals

Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback

(9) and running back

(25) look to the sideline in confusion during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Foles is an average quarterback at best

It’s beginning to look like former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was right about the current Eagles play caller Nick Foles. On September 2 during an interview with 97.5 The Fantatic he was asked if Foles was a franchise quarterback.

"I really can’t answer that at this particular point. But if I had to, give or take, I would say no. He won’t do what he did last year. That just won’t happen, 27 touchdowns, two interceptions. I see him being more of a 25 touchdown, maybe eight, maybe 10 interception guy."

Well, at least partially correct. Foles is on pace for a 25 touchdown season but with 9 interceptions after seven games he could easily slip into 20+ interceptions on the year. His first interception of the day was intended for Eagles rookie wide receiver Josh Huff. He pump faked then tossed the rock right into Arizona Cardinal’s cornerback Antonio Cromartie‘s waiting hands. The pump fake gave Cromartie the time to cut the ball off in the end zone. Poor decision and poor play.

“We’re going to work at it and I’m going to give it everything I have to correct the mistakes. This isn’t going to stop us.”-Nick Foles

The second interception was worse. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper ran up the field for what would have been a 20 yard gain. He ran his route perfectly and when he turned for the ball Foles had thrown it behind Cooper right into the hands of Cromartie again.

Foles has played seven complete games and after almost every game Foles takes the podium and says the same thing each week. He has to get better, he’s going to give it all he’s got and correct mistakes. Well, seven games into the season and he hasn’t improved in the interception department.

He’s thrown at least one interception in six of his first seven games this season. In Weeks 4, 6 and 8 he’s thrown two. So when will he get better? Where is the Foles of last year? It’s not just the interceptions but the ball handling decisions. He could easily have had three interceptions Sunday against the Cardinals. In fact, he could have double digit interceptions by now if it weren’t for dropped balls by the defense.

Hard to say if last year was a fluke or is it something else. Is Foles trying too hard? Is he trying to build on last season and is trying to force the issue too much?

I am personally a fan of Nick Foles. I hope he comes around soon. He’s more than capable to be an elite quarterback and return to his form from last season. But if he doesn’t do it soon he’s not only in danger of being a one-hit wonder; Nick Foles is in danger of becoming an average quarterback.