Philadelphia Eagles: 15 greatest quarterbacks in franchise history
. QB. (2012-14, 2017-18). Nick Foles. 3. player. 54
Put your pitchforks away, Philly. I know, Nick Foles was the only quarterback to accomplish winning a Super Bowl for Philadelphia. Does that mean he’s the greatest quarterback in Eagles’ history? Not exactly. Foles is a Philly legend for being a part of that Super Bowl run, but the reality is he didn’t accomplish it alone.
When Foles took over for the team in 2017, the Eagles were a quarter away from winning the division. Two wins and the Eagles have a first-round bye, with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
It pains some to say it, but the Eagles likely don’t get put in that position without the help from Wentz and the defense. Foles is a streaky quarterback, who got hot at the right time for the Eagles, but he hasn’t been able to craft a full season for them ever.
During his first stint with the Eagles, former head coach Chip Kelly knew how to use Foles. When Michael Vick went down early on in 2013, Foles put up some ridiculous stats, tossing 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions in 13 games. It seemed like Foles was the real deal until his regressed season in 2014, which led to a season-ending injury.
Many tend to forget, but Foles wasn’t doing so hot when he was officially named the starting quarterback from the jump. He finished the year off playing eight games and throwing 13 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.
His passer rating was an average 81.4. Clearly, his short second stint with the Eagles was better, but he wouldn’t have the opportunity to take advantage of his second stint in Philly fully.
He’s got a statue in Philly, courtesy of Bud Light, a Super Bowl ring and some memorabilia in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. That’s more than enough accolades for No. 9. Anybody that believes he’s the greatest in franchise history and deserves his number to be retired needs to face reality, though.
Foles can be a legend without being called the greatest. Never should a quarterback be considered the greatest in a franchise’s history if he’s never finished a full season. If we’re talking greatest backups in NFL history though, then Foles undoubtedly takes the cake.