The quarterback situation for the Philadelphia Eagles continues to take weird turns. The team has been in search of their go-to guy, but has yet to really find him. Michael Vick was supposedly going to be that guy, but injuries have ended any chance of him being the future option. Nick Foles has struggled with consistency throughout his time as a starter, but after tying an NFL record on Sunday, is the backup the Eagles best shot at a franchise quarterback?
Prior to Sunday's performance, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie admitted the team had yet to find their franchise player who could be next year's starting quarterback.
"We need someone to step up, whether it's an existing young quarterback or somebody we go out and acquire," Lurie said, via Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. "We know - this is no secret - quarterback is the [ultimate] position and the most important difference-maker. We want to have very healthy, high ability at that position, with excellent leadership and a lot of smarts and a lot of moxie. Someone that really can take that position and run with it."
It appears Foles heard those statements loud and clear and took advantage of the opportunity to prove himself. The result was an NFL record-tying seven touchdown passes as the Eagles beat the Raiders 49-20. The quarterback went 22-for-28 for 406 yards and zero interceptions. Foles said the only other time he had accomplished something like that was in a video game.
"Whenever I've looked at records my whole life, the greatest thing about it is the guys you do them with," Foles said. "This is something that's special for the Philadelphia Eagles organization. You have to look at the components -- the O-line blocking, guys running great routes, making huge catches. It's special for all our teammates."
Head coach Chip Kelly would only say that Foles played "really, really well" but the it is understood that the performance speaks volumes for what Foles is capable of in the future. The only issue for the backup will be his ability to follow up the performance with another great outing, something he has struggled with.
Foles started against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers three weeks ago and put up three touchdown passes, earning NFC weekly honors. However, he followed that up with a career-worst outing against the Dallas Cowboys where he could only manage 80 yards passing before suffering a concussion.
Foles' Week 9 performance should be enough to keep him in the lineup for the next couple of weeks whether Vick is healthy or not. However, if he can continue the momentum, he will likely keep himself as the starter for years to come.
