In light of Nick Foles leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a pair of 4th quarter touchdowns in their 36-21 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, it was inevitable that the ever so fickle sports media would jump on that like a rabbit on pretty much anything.
While Vick was spectacular in the team's first two games, he's been rather average in the team's past three. However, at 2-3 and tied atop the NFC East, I still think he gives the team the best chance of making the playoffs this year. Foles is a very capable back-up, but until he develops better intermediate- to long-range passing skills, I have a hard time seeing him as a full-time starter in the league.
Also, Chip Kelly's offense revolves around speed. Vick gives him much more flexibility with the offensive play-calling due to this. The threat of Vick's running opens things up for LeSean McCoy in the backfield - much more so than when Foles is behind center.
The problem with Philadelphia's offense thus far this season is with receivers creating separation and a lack of production inside the red zone. Against the Chiefs, Broncos, and for much of the game against the Giants, Eagles wideouts had trouble getting open for their quarterbacks. Things will need to improve in that area in the weeks to come if the team wants to have more balance and consistency on the offensive side of the ball. Also, the team's lack of size at the skill positions has hampered it inside the red zone at certain points in the young season. Foles' two touchdown passes yesterday came by way of a great catch by Brent Celek and a great adjustment by DeSean Jackson.
Chip Kelly's offense works better with a run-first mentality. For as quickly as the team runs plays, it's beneficial for the clock to continually be running and this happens much more consistently with a run-first than a pass-first mentality. With Michael Vick behind center, the team is much more effective at running the football than with Nick Foles back there. With the read-option plays being called early and often, defenders have to respect Vick as a runner, which leaves bigger holes for McCoy to run through than if Foles were behind center. While Foles would be better suited than Vick for an Andy Reid-style offense, Vick is better suited for this kind of offense. If he's healthy, I think Kelly should stick with Vick as his starter.
While Vick was spectacular in the team's first two games, he's been rather average in the team's past three. However, at 2-3 and tied atop the NFC East, I still think he gives the team the best chance of making the playoffs this year. Foles is a very capable back-up, but until he develops better intermediate- to long-range passing skills, I have a hard time seeing him as a full-time starter in the league.
Also, Chip Kelly's offense revolves around speed. Vick gives him much more flexibility with the offensive play-calling due to this. The threat of Vick's running opens things up for LeSean McCoy in the backfield - much more so than when Foles is behind center.
The problem with Philadelphia's offense thus far this season is with receivers creating separation and a lack of production inside the red zone. Against the Chiefs, Broncos, and for much of the game against the Giants, Eagles wideouts had trouble getting open for their quarterbacks. Things will need to improve in that area in the weeks to come if the team wants to have more balance and consistency on the offensive side of the ball. Also, the team's lack of size at the skill positions has hampered it inside the red zone at certain points in the young season. Foles' two touchdown passes yesterday came by way of a great catch by Brent Celek and a great adjustment by DeSean Jackson.
Chip Kelly's offense works better with a run-first mentality. For as quickly as the team runs plays, it's beneficial for the clock to continually be running and this happens much more consistently with a run-first than a pass-first mentality. With Michael Vick behind center, the team is much more effective at running the football than with Nick Foles back there. With the read-option plays being called early and often, defenders have to respect Vick as a runner, which leaves bigger holes for McCoy to run through than if Foles were behind center. While Foles would be better suited than Vick for an Andy Reid-style offense, Vick is better suited for this kind of offense. If he's healthy, I think Kelly should stick with Vick as his starter.
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