Defending the Criticism of Nick Foles

With all of the positive news following the St. Louis Rams’ acquisition of former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, there was bound to eventually be some criticism somewhere. After all, at the time it really didn’t make too much sense that Philadelphia would trade for a highly injury prone quarterback and in exchange give up someone who threw 27 touchdowns with only two interceptions a couple of years ago.

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On Wednesday night, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane was speaking on a radio station and the topic of Nick Foles came up. Here’s what Jeff had to say on the subject:

"“Nick, I think, wasn’t very comfortable in that role, especially in Philadelphia, I think there probably wasn’t as much written about that and I’ve kind of learned a few things since Nick has been gone, that it had really gotten to him, some of the criticism that was happening here in Philadelphia based on his play last season and I don’t think Bradford is the type of guy where he lets that type of stuff get to him.”"

Louis Riddick, a former member of the front office for Philadelphia, also chimed in on the subject:

"“My experience with Nick is that he was very even-keel, very mellow, very much so not affected by a lot of outside things, but more…I’ve talked with people directly that were with him every day and coached him, and he was the kind of guy who behind the scenes didn’t necessarily like being criticized, didn’t necessarily like maybe being coached hard, being gotten on in the way that some quarterbacks and some players can take, so is it surprising that maybe he would fit in a little bit better in a town like St. Louis where, not necessarily that they don’t have high expectations, but it’s not the same kind of scrutiny he’ll face here in Philadelphia? Yeah, that doesn’t shock me. That doesn’t shock me that he would feel more comfortable there.”"

Louis Riddick also stated that Nick Foles would occasionally “butt heads” with quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor. Foles apparently did not like his intensity on and off the field.

Thanks to a great article from Phillymag for the quotes, you can read their article here.

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Interesting take on Nick. To some fans, this might signal a red flag. Every team wants their quarterback to be a franchise quarterback. They all want the Peyton Manning’s, the Andrew Luck’s, the Tom Brady’s, etc. Here’s the twist for St. Louis though:

They don’t need a franchise quarterback.

They just don’t. Now if Nick Foles turned out to be a franchise quarterback, I’m sure that would be just fine with everyone. The key here is that the St. Louis Rams aren’t asking him to be a franchise quarterback. I don’t find these comments to be a red flag of any concern anyway, here’s why:

"Nick, I think, wasn’t very comfortable in that role, especially in Philadelphia"

Of course he wasn’t. Philadelphia’s fans were just voted “most hated” by a recent poll, which makes sense knowing how ruthless they can be. Philadelphia loves football, and expects nothing but the best. The other issue here is that atrocious offense that Chip Kelly runs. I’ve never been a fan of it, I probably never will. A lot of quarterbacks do not like that style of offense, and it doesn’t surprise me that Nick didn’t like criticism about the high expectations that coincided with that offense.

"Foles is the kind of player that doesn’t like to be coached hard"

Some players don’t, and it necessarily isn’t a bad thing. I was the same way in high school. I loved being taught how to play the game, and loved constructive criticism, but absolutely HATED being yelled at, especially over nothing. Some like the intensity of a Jim Harbaugh, but the fact the Foles doesn’t isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Jeff Fisher and company are an easy going gang, so hopefully that fits Foles style.

"Foles will be more comfortable in St Louis"

As mentioned before, probably. Jeff Fisher is a great coach, and he is already made it abundantly clear that it folds is the guy, and has put all his faith in him. If Nick is the kind a guy that doesn’t like a lot of criticism, the Fisher is off to a great start by already praising him on multiple levels and even floating rumors of an extension before the season starts. Foles has talent, and with a heavy run game and top five defense, Foles is having little asked of him.

These are interesting takes on Foles, but ultimately it shouldn’t cause any St. Louis fans stress. Foles will still be a great quarterback and will thrive with the change of scenery.

Next: Todd Gurley Reacts to his Madden Ratings

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