Andy Reid names Nick Foles the starting quarterback for remainder of season
Andy Reid named Nick Foles the starting quarterback for the rest of the season, regardless of Michael Vick's health.
Andy Reid names Nick Foles the starting quarterback for remainder of season
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
Andy Reid named Nick Foles the starting quarterback for the rest of the season, regardless of Michael Vick's health.
"It gives one of your players the opportunity to play here, the next four games, as a starter," Reid said. "Each week, he's been the replacement guy. Now he is the starter, we'll see how he does with that on his plate, see how he handles it. I don't expect much change there with him."
Reid said Vick is on "the fast track" and might return this weekend, although he's still at the fourth phase of the concussion recovery. But Reid said the decision was made in part for Vick's long-term health.
"I think, where we're out, with the season, it gives this kid an opportunity to play and finish it up," Reid said. "He's playing well enough that I think he can win football games for us. Where we sit at this position in the season, it's the right thing to do."
Foles has started the past three games with Vick out with a concussion. In three starts and four total appearances, he completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 739 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
"I did speak to [Vick], and he was very positive about it," Reid said. "He completely understood. He's on board."
Vick will likely be the No. 2 quarterback when he's healthy. Reid emphasized that Vick's concussion recovery has taken a long time -- Vick is still at the fourth phase of a five-step process and has not passed his ImPACT test -- and wants Vick healthy enough to have a long career.
"He still has three, four years that he can probably get out there, wing it, so let's get him healthy and on right direction there," Reid said.
Reid said he made the decision on Vick without interference from the front office.
"One great thing about the Philadelphia Eagles organization is Jeffrey [Lurie], when Joe [Banner] was here, and Howie [Roseman] and the other general managers were here, they allowed me to make decisions," Reid said. "I understand where you're coming from that you need to know that, but those are my decisions."
- really? how could you possibly convince yourself of that?
— djgq42 - He is using Foles as a nother scapegoat to save his bacon. Survival is the man of this game....— SKYMAN
- If I was Vick I'd be thrilled.
He stands a chance of not getting killed behind the O-Line.— adipaolo - Seem like Foles is doing just fine behind that line that Vick couldn't play behind! One more excuse for Vick out the window! — gdibig
- Gdibig. How many games have we won with Foles? I'll be happy to hear your answer. Foles played against one team who likes to blitz which is the Redskins. Dallas barely blitzes. This is why he has had time in the pocket. Even with time he still only threw one touchdown pass. He has thrown 2 touchdown passes in 3 3/4 games. — Lpboys
Comment removed.- I played football on the collegiate level. How many snaps have you taken in college? You probably didn't start in high school. You are saying the offense moves smoothly with Foles, but who have we played? Foles played one decent game in four and he still only has thrown 2 touchdown passes. We will see what you say next year when the Eagles are still garbage and you are crying for a new quarterback. I understand what makes a team function. You obviously don't. Doesn't it appear that Andy has changed the game plan? Foles basically throws screens all day. With your logic, I guess Bryce Brown should be starting too right? — Lpboys
- Comment removed.
- Yeah right mac_B%$ch. For who? I didn't make an analogy dumba@@ I asked you a question. If you are getting this angry about me speaking up for Vick, then obviously you don't like him which is ok, but to say the offense is going much smoother with Foles than Vick is just a stupid a@@ comment. I understand that most people didn't like Vick to begin with, but most fans are not fair. — Lpboys
- Understand Washburn frustration. The wide 9 will not work unless you fill the gaps near line with backers and safety. Eagles never did, backers were always 7 yards back, safety had to protect weak corners, thus no pressure, the other teams O line had it easy, could figure out who to block, and how to set.— camasbud
- Lurie just outbid Jerry Jones for Andy's services on a 4-yr contract— tommy_the_k
- Lurie just outbid Jerry Jones for Andy's services on a 4-yr contract— tommy_the_k
Andy Reid coaching for his 15th season in Philly next year. Jeff Laurie: "Andy needs to be here to help mold our new starting QB just like he did with Donovan". Just prepare yourselves people. I'm telling you, it's going to happen. He's not going to be fired.— thegamepa- I believe you can not cut a hurt player. They are going to get him cleared to play then bury him on the bench. Another concussion with very little time left in the season they would be on the hook next year for Vick.— chham57
- This team is likely to finish the season with a franchise record 12 straight losses. No frickin way Reid is back next year.— Only in Philly...
