Philadelphia has been abuzz with the thought of last year’s Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles leading the Eagles into Chicago late Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles have been averaging nearly 29 points per game over the last three games with Foles, who took over for starter Carson Wentz and lead the team to the playoffs.
Eagles’ fans see Foles staying on track to leading them on the path to Atlanta in early February.
Don’t bet on it.
Yes, I was a Foles supporter last season during the Eagles’ postseason run that truly was in the cards for them.
I didn’t think they would reach the Super Bowl, but you could see it coming every passing week.
This season, the Eagles don’t have the same mojo.
One of the main reasons I don’t believe Foles will beat the Bears are his bruised ribs. Tests revealed Foles was doing much better and would be ready to play.
I asked a former NFL player about playing with bruised ribs, and he was shocked Foles would play.
Then there is the No. 1 ranked Chicago defense on its home field. Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson, who has six interceptions, is listed as questionable and likely a game-time decision.
But Foles will also have to deal with one-man wrecking crew Khalil Mack, who certainly will smell the bruised ribs like a shark following a trail of blood.
Three of the last five teams to lead the league in scoring defense reached the Super Bowl. New England in 2016 and Seattle in 2013 both won, and Seattle in 2014 lost.
There already is plenty of banter in Philly about whether Foles or Wentz should lead the Eagles next season especially is Foles does manage to get deep into the postseason.
Foles can opt out for next season and the team would have $15 million in dead cap money.
He’ll be looking for a starting job and a long-term, lucrative deal. Due to their recent stated inferred indecision about Eli Manning, the Giants could be a landing spot.
If the Giants let Manning walk, they could sign Foles for two years as a stop-gap while their new rookie quarterbacks develops.
Signings Foles for a longer deal and handing him the starting job would be a mistake.
He has never flourished in a true starting role except for the 2013 season when he threw 27 touchdowns with only two interceptions in his second season on Philadelphia after being a third-pick in 2012.
Foles struggled the following season, and his persona was soured by the midseason.
From there, he never regained his touch and had subpar stops with the Rams and Chiefs.
To me, he is another Ryan Fitzpatrick – a quarterback who can post outstanding numbers for a short period of time.
The Bears will end the Eagles’ short run with a touchdown-or-better win.
Giants’ fans shouldn’t get excited about Foles.
He’s a short visit and not a long-term stay.