Tucson CitizenTucson Citizen

Key for Nick Foles in first start with Eagles: ‘Don’t try to do too much’

Nick Foles

Nick Foles will be starting for a team that is 3-6 and has lost five in a row. Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images

I’ve watched several interviews with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles this week, and he looks the same as did for three years while holding court as the Arizona Wildcats starter.

Calm. Composed. Confident.

Foles, a rookie third-round draft pick, will be making his first start today, taking over for Michael Vick, who is out because of a concussion suffered last week. Philadelphia kicks off at Washington at 11 a.m. Tucson time.

Foles played for the first time last week — ending a 39-year drought of Arizona quarterbacks in the NFL to the day — completing 22 of 32 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown. He had one pass intercepted and returned for a touchdown, and he also lost a fumble in the end zone in the final minute of a loss to Dallas.

This week, he has been taking the first-strings reps, and, as offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg said of Foles, “He’s busting.”

Foles, in a Friday interview with reporters, said a key for him is “not trying to do too much.” Arizona fans can relate after watching Foles, sometimes in vain, sometimes in gain, try to keep plays alive in all possible manners — even by throwing left-handed.

Foles will be able to make enough positive plays with his arm, especially working off play-action to LeSean McCoy, to be effective. What he can’t have are those turnovers as he works behind a substandard offensive line.

“Just trusting my reads, trusting everything,” he said of how he hopes to play.

“Just play football. Play natural. Play what comes to me. Don’t try to do too much; that’s the key on any level. I learned that in college. At times, I tried to do too much. Try to stay calm and trust the week of preparation.”

Today’s game will mark the first time a former Arizona Wildcats quarterback has started a game since Bill Demory did so for the New York Jets on Oct. 28, 1973.

Search site | Terms of service