Mark Sanchez took a step back in his quest to become a true starting quarterback in the NFL. After a strong performance on Thanksgiving against the Dallas Cowboys, the quarterback returned for a brutal loss against the Seattle Seahawks where an interception cost the team the chance to win. Now, with Nick Foles getting healthy, head coach Chip Kelly has some decisions to make in regards of who he should start as the race for the NFC East heats up.
Sanchez fell short in trying to secure the starting job for Philadelphia for the remaining games in the season. The quarterback went 10 for 20 for 96 yards and one interception. He was also sacked three times. To his credit, the entire Eagles offense struggled. LeSean McCoy only managed 50 yards in the game while Seattle's defense got the best of them. Sanchez gets the spotlight in the loss thanks to a first-and-10 pass that went 30 yards for an interception with 9 minutes remaining in the game. It all but sealed the win for Seattle and Riley Cooper says that it was Sanchez's fault.
"Was it a miscommunication?" Cooper said, via NJ.com. "No. (Sanchez) knew the the route. I knew the route. I ran the route. He threw the ball."
Sanchez's poor performance opens the door for Foles to return as the starter in the upcoming weeks. The quarterback continues to heal from a fracture in his collarbone and while the Eagles have been quiet about his potential return to the field, it is clear that Sanchez no longer gives the team the best chance at winning. According to NJ.com, Foles is scheduled to have his second follow-up exam this week and is hoping to get clean bill in order to play. The idea of Foles returning for Sunday is unlikely, but he could be back faster than some think.
The Eagles still hold to the top spot in the NFC East, but they face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday who are looking to get back the lead. ESPN reported that Kelly would continue to go with the hot hand at quarterback when it comes to the starting job and that may no longer be Sanchez. If Sanchez gets benched, the idea that he returns to the Eagles in free agency is slim. It could also hurt the quarterback's stock if players like Brian Hoyer and Colt McCoy become available.
