By KO Kelly
“It was the best of times it was the worst of times” - sums up last season for the Eagles and their most recent opponent, the Cleveland Browns.
While the Eagles were making history with their first Super Bowl victory, the Browns were etching their names in the history books as well. They became only the second team in NFL history to lose all 16 regular season games (the ‘08 Lions being the first to “accomplish” this feat).
However, based on Thursday night’s performance you may have thought the roles were reversed. The Browns came out with energy and excitement, ready to get this season started. Whereas our defending champs continued to look sloppy and inconsistent - especially the first team offense.
After seeing the best of Nick Foles last season, we are now seeing some of the of his worst tape since that forgetful season with the Rams. And there are three good reasons for this:
It’s the pre-season!
Planning and play-calling are significantly scaled back and the stakes are much lower. The primary goals of the pre-season are to: knock off the rust, assess young and developmental players, and avoid serious injuries. It would be nice to see Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles live up to that moniker but it isn’t necessary.
Our main offensive weapons are side-lined
Jeffrey, Agholor, Hollins, Sproles, Ajayi, and Clement did not play Thursday night plus Jason Peters is still waiting in the wings. Judging Foles and forecasting the Eagles 2018 season based on his recent performance with this supporting cast is as useful as Jay Cutler lined up as a wideout in the Wildcat formation (i.e. not very useful).
Quicksand
All my fellow The Replacements fans know the scene I am talking about. For the unfortunate souls who have not had the viewing pleasure of beholding this masterpiece, which is impressive given how often it’s shown on TBS, let me set up the scene.
In a fictional football league, the professional players have gone on strike with 4 games remaining. In order to keep the season going, the owners have hired replacement players. After an ugly loss, the Washington Sentinels are preparing for their second game with replacements and Coach McGinty (Gene Hackman) - in an effort to help his ragtag group bond - asks them to share their fears. After a few false starts, QB Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves) shares his fear: quicksand.
“You're playing and you think everything is going fine. Then one thing goes wrong. And then another. And another. You try to fight back, but the harder you fight, the deeper you sink. Until you can't move... you can't breathe... because you're in over your head. Like quicksand.”
Not only is Nick Foles basically real-life Shane Falco to the Nth degree - you cannot convince me this thought pattern was not going through Foles’ head on Thursday night. Two terrible interceptions, a fumble, and a safety are textbook definition quicksand.
Nick Foles is probably one of the most controversial and perplexing players in NFL history.
He has had some of the highest highs (Super Bowl MVP) and the lowest lows (being cut by Jeff Fisher on TV).
He was unceremoniously traded out of Philadelphia but will now never have to buy a drink here again.
He is one of the most humble and down-to-earth guys off the field and a ruthless competitor on it (calling the Philly Special . . . on 4th down . . . in the Super Bowl . . . shortly after Brady fails on his gadget play).
He is both frustrating and inspiring. In one game he’s a mere commoner in the next he’s a god among men.
Foles’ career continues to offer a great lesson on life: neither your highs nor lows are permanent. Enjoy the good times and power through the bad. The only direction is forward.
If I must take the worst of Nick Foles to get the best of him - I will make that deal every single time.
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