The Philadelphia Eagles are fighting for the postseason and will be putting their faith in Mark Sanchez another week and likely for the remainder of the season. The Eagles are still in the hunt for the postseason, but need some cards to fall in their favor while also winning their remaining two games. The recent struggles of Sanchez are certainly cause for concern as Nick Foles has yet to be medically cleared for return.
There was some thought that Foles would be healthy to play Week 16 against the Washington Redskins. The quarterback has been seen on the sidelines throwing passes, but has yet to dress since fracturing his collarbone. Head coach Chip Kelly was quick to end speculation regarding who the starting quarterback will be stating Foles has not been cleared and Sanchez will remain the starter.
"The bone is not healed," Kelly said, via ESPN.com. "He'll start throwing a little bit more, but he's out for right now. He's not cleared and will not play this week. Until he gets fully healed, he's not going to be able to play with it. We think he'll be able to throw a little more this week, but we can't have anyone near him with contact."
Sanchez has not been good in the past two weeks as the Eagles sit on a two-game losing streak. Interceptions have been an issue as he tossed two in the second half during their loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He also turned the ball over against the Seattle Seahawks. In total, he has 10 touchdowns and nine picks since taking over during the past six games as the Eagles have gone 3-3 in that stretch. Foles had the team at 6-2 during his eight games this season, tossing 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Kelly remains confident in the progress of Sanchez.
"I think so. I think overall, the entire team, there's been good and bad at every position. We have to be more consistent overall. Mark will be the first to tell you that. I think everybody will tell you that. When we're not successful, we own it," Kelly said.
The Eagles will have to make some decisions in the offseason regarding the future of their quarterback position. Sanchez will be a free agent come the offseason while Foles will be looking for a contract extension as he enters the final year of his deal. The Eagles could opt to let him play out the 2015 season before determining whether or not a new contract is in his future. It is unlikely the team has seen enough of him this year to determine the right number for an extension.