Just three weeks after seeing his first real NFL action, quarterback Nick Foles is in line to make his third start against the first team he faced in the regular season. Foles took over for the injured Michael Vick in the Eagles' Week 10 game against the Cowboys and played admirably. Now, he'll have the chance to pick up where he left off in Dallas on Sunday night.
In two and a half games, Foles is 59-of-99 for 542 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. While his numbers don't jump off the screen, he has been making progress each week.
"The big thing is you just look at games and I feel like we've run the offense well and we've just got to eliminate mistakes," Foles said after practice Wednesday. "The big thing was turnovers and I was just making proper decisions to read the coverage out right, getting us in the right plays if I have to.
"I was just progressing every day. Getting better every day on the practice field, working as hard as I can in the film room and everything and that's all I can do; just work better every day to improve."
The scheduling of Sunday night's game is a little unusual. These two teams last faced off only three weeks ago. Foles said that familiarity can be helpful, though the Cowboys have the same advantage.
"We were able to watch the game; see how they played us and certain things," he explained. "But at the same time, they can watch the film too. They have the same film. So, be ready for anything. A lot of film work, a lot of preparation and, when the game comes, just read out what they're doing and make the best decisions."
It's only been three weeks, but the Eagles will head to Dallas with a different offense than in Week 10. The Eagles will likely be without Vick, running back LeSean McCoy and wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who fractured his ribs Monday night and was placed on the Injured Reserve list Tuesday. And with center Dallas Reynolds battling an ankle sprain, it's possible left guard Evan Mathis becomes the new center Sunday night. Despite these changes, Foles is confident his teammates will step up.
"Losing DeSean's a big loss. He's a heck of a player," Foles said. "He's such a threat out there, but we'll have guys step up. It's football and I know we'll have guys step into that position and do a great job."
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