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Philadelphia Eagles to start Nick Foles versus Browns: 3 Takeaways

By Geoffrey Knox

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 16: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass in the first half against the New England Patriots during the preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 16, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 16: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass in the first half against the New England Patriots during the preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 16, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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You’re probably all now aware that Nick Foles will start in the Philadelphia Eagles’ third preseason game. We have three takeaways.

First, there were muscle spasms. Then, there was a shoulder injury versus the New England Patriots. We’ve discussed Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles and injury concerns more often than we would have liked over the past two weeks.

It’s become even more of a topic seeing as how we’re still not sure whether or not Carson Wentz will be available for the NFL‘s opening game and Nate Sudfeld, at this point in his career, isn’t on the same level as Wentz or Foles.

Even with the thought that further injury to Wentz or the best backup in the league would be a catastrophe, the Eagles’ coaching staff has made their decision. Foles will start in Week 3 of the preseason versus the Cleveland Browns.

Philly’s current QB1 met with media two days prior to the game in Cleveland. Here’s some of what transpired:

Video courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles YouTube page

There’s a ton that can be discussed about Philly’s decision to trot Foles out there. Here are a few talking points.

1. This is the ‘dress rehearsal’. It’s possible we can expect to see Foles for three quarters.

For most teams, the third preseason game is where the starters get the most work. This is called ‘the dress rehearsal’. Expect to see the first team go for three quarters on Thursday night.

Yes, it opens up the possibility of sustaining unnecessary injuries in games that don’t count, but truthfully, the starters on both sides of the ball may need one final tuneup. We’ll see how long Coach Doug Pederson leaves them in.

2. This game won’t be any indication of the Nick Foles we’ll get in the regular season (that’s if he starts Week 1).

At the beginning of the Patriots game, Foles wasn’t as sharp as he was in February. Throws were high. Throws sailed out of bounds, but that’s okay. He was excited. He’ll settle in. Everything will be fine. Everybody just R-E-L-A-X.

3. It’s become even more difficult for Christian Hackenberg and Joe Callahan to make this team.

Splitting reps evenly between Foles and Wentz and Foles potentially playing for three quarters in this one means one thing is certain. There are less reps available for Joe Callahan and Christian Hackenberg.

Both are already long shots to make the 53-man roster, and they need to capitalize on every opportunity. There’s just one issue. There aren’t that many opportunities.

We’ll have to wait and see how things play out.

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