Nick Foles takes over as the Eagles return to practice | Early Birds
Nick Foles won't run the scout team on Wednesday. He'll be the quarterback with the first-team offense.
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Good morning, Eagles fans. The Eagles take the practice field for the first time Wednesday with Carson Wentz on injured reserve and Nick Foles as the starting quarterback. Doug Pederson has a 10:30 a.m. news conference and players will speak after the 12:45 p.m. practice.
Foles is not focusing on the need to replace Wentz. He knows how well Wentz was playing and Wentz's standing in the organization, but don't expect Foles to try to be like Wentz or focus on the burden that comes with his new role. He said the hardest part of becoming the starter is when "you look too much at the big picture." "Fortunately, I've been there," Foles said. "The advice I give myself is literally focus on the moment." He's going to rely on his past experience, whether it's in this offense or on this stage, to help him during the next month. It's rare to have a backup with experience in big games like Foles.
Foles had his first Philadelphia news conference as the starting quarterback since Halloween week in 2014, before a season-ending injury against Houston. Even though Foles was entrenched as the starting quarterback at the time, he sounded more comfortable in his own skin this time around. It's understandable; when Foles became "the guy" in 2013, it all happened so fast. He went from Michael Vick's backup to throwing seven touchdowns in a single game and leading the Eagles to the playoffs. He quickly became one of the key figures on the team and in the city before Chip Kelly traded him in 2015. His career since then hasn't been nearly as successful. That's why a former Pro Bowler became a backup in his mid-20s. Foles acknowledged that something like a press conference consumed so much of his attention during his first stint. Now, he just talks. He used it as an example to show he's grown. "It all goes back to experience," Foles said.
It's obvious that Foles is not as mobile as Wentz, and that's one dimension of the offense that will clearly be downgraded. Wentz has 299 rushing yards and 26 first downs. But remember, Foles is not Sam Bradford, either. He's more mobile than his reputation suggests. Foles rushed for 221 yards in 2013, and his willingness to take advantage of the defense's attention on LeSean McCoy by tucking the ball away helped the offense that season. The Eagles added play-action off of the zone read to take advantage of Foles' skills. He's not fast, but the former high school basketball player has underrated mobility.
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— Zach Berman
What you need to know about the Eagles
Nick Foles is now the starting quarterback, and he's tasked with replacing Carson Wentz. Foles said the offense won't change — it'll remain the same system you've seen all year.
The Eagles need even more from defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's unit with Foles at quarterback, Les Bowen writes.
With Wentz out, Mike Sielski writes we'll learn more about Doug Pederson.
Nate Sudfeld becomes the backup, and Paul Domowitch introduces you to him.
Marcus Hayes thinks the Eagles should sign Colin Kaepernick instead of having Sudfeld be the backup.
This week's chat included questions about Stefen Wisniewski and playoff opponents.
If you missed Tuesday's Early Birds, Pederson struck a confident tone when discussing Carson Wentz's injury.