Michael Vick is once again injured. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback continues to prove he cannot be relied on for an entire season as hamstring issues keep him out of practice leading into Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With that, backup Nick Foles is preparing to step into the starting job for the short-term. What should Eagles fans expect from the offense with a more traditional quarterback under center?
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Vick is expected to miss Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers. While the quarterback remains positive that it is too early to predict whether he will play or not, Foles is taking all of the first-team offensive snaps during practice. The veteran believes he can still play without practicing, but Chip Kelly is unlikely to take the risk.
"I have a good understanding of the game plan and what we want to do," Vick said, via Philly.com. "The thing is to try to get myself physically in position where I can go out there and do everything I know I'm capable of doing."
With Foles as the starter, the offense should not look drastically different. No, Foles is not as mobile as Vick, but he is a solid passer and has starting experience that will benefit him if Vick is deemed unable to play. Foles was in contention to be named the starter in the preseason, so there is no question he can lead the team.
"My expectation is to work great today, get a lot of work in, study the film, and whatever it is on Sunday I'll be ready," Foles said. "The competitor in me wants to start every game, but in reality there's different situations that occur. That's why I always say I keep the same mind-set."
As a second-year quarterback, Foles has great pocket presence and can throw a solid deep ball. While his accuracy is off from time to time, he is less prone to mistakes as Vick can be. Foles will not hold on to the ball as long, but fans can certainly expect fewer read-option plays.
Wide receiver DeSean Jackson does not see the offensive game plan changing as much. While he believes the offense is more dynamic under Vick, he believes Foles has plenty of talent to step in and really let the ball fly.
"Honestly, I don't see anything changing," wide receiver DeSean Jackson said. "Foles knows what he needs to do to be a quarterback in this league and run this offense, and he has a good feel for everyone's speed."
Jackson will still get plenty of passes his way and LeSean McCoy can expect to be relied on a little more heavily if Vick is out. The Buccaneers do not exactly have a defense worth bragging about, so the running back could see a big day ahead of him. Kelly has the luxury of resting Vick a game and should take advantage of it.
