How Nick Foles Can Win the Eagles Starting QB Job

With Eagles' starting quarterback Michael Vick nursing a hamstring injury, it's likely that Nick Foles will make his first start of the 2013 season against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Eagles coach Chip Kelly officially ruled Vick as day-to-day, but a number of reports have stated Vick is likely to miss the Bucs game and possibly even the Dallas game on 10/20.

Vick struggled through the air but ran well against the Giants before Foles took over and finished with good passing numbers: 16/25, 197 yards, and 2 TD. After the game, Kelly confirmed that Vick is the Eagles' starting QB if he's healthy. Some wonder if Foles can win the starting job with a good performance while Vick is sitting out.

Chip Kelly was asked about the possibility of Foles taking the starting job away from Vick.

If [Foles] plays well?  Yeah, there’s always open competition.  So if Nick goes out there and throws 100 for 100 and throws 27 touchdown passes, then, yeah.

Something tells me it might be a little tough for Foles to put up those kind of numbers, but Kelly's point is clear. Nick probably isn't taking the job away from Vick with any kind of mediocre performance. Chip said he is happy with Nick's preparation so far.

I think the work that Nick gets in in practice and how he prepares [is important].  We've talked to Nick since we made a decision at quarterback.  We said before you're a chinstrap away from having to come in the game.  Some guys that's cliché talk and other guys take it seriously.  So Nick has prepared himself like he's going to be the starter every week.  When his opportunity came, I think he took advantage of it.

Kelly is handling this situation in a deliberately cautious manner. Foles won't simply be handed the starting job, so it's up to the second year QB to play great and give his coach no reason not to start him. It's a big opportunity for Foles and if he truly wishes to win the job away from Vick, he needs to make the most of it.

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