Over the last four games, Nick Foles has compiled a combined quarterback rating of 144.2. That stands as the sixth-best four-game stretch in NFL history and the second best since 1973. After he was named the official starting quarterback last week, Foles responded against the top-10 Cardinals defense, the best defense he has faced this season, by completing 21-of-34 passes for 237 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a measly 114.0 quarterback rating.

So while the focus may be on the four games ahead that will decide the Eagles' playoff fate, head coach Chip Kelly is also sure to be asked about Foles' future in Philadelphia. That's exactly the question he field this morning during his weekly appearance on SportsRadio 94WIP.

"Yeah, you hope", Kelly said, when asked if Foles "has the makings" of a franchise quarterback, "but, and I don't mean to be coy, I always say this, is that, you can say that whomever it is, is your player of the future and then next week they get hurt ... So, I hope Nick is here for a long time. I'm a big supporter of him, I think he does a fantastic job, but we also know that injuries occur in this game  and that's why I always qualify what I say. I love the kid and I think he's playing outstanding."

UPDATE

Here's what Kelly had to say about the potential of Foles to be the team's quarterback beyond this season during his weekly Monday press conference.

"As long as he can stay healthy," said Kelly. "That's what I've qualified it with all the time. That's the one thing. I don't think anybody can predict the health of anybody. You look at how many quarterbacks – and that's the reality – how many quarterbacks have gone down this season in the National Football League? It's a pretty high amount and I think that's the one thing everybody has to understand when you're going into this thing. It's a very, very difficult game. They take a lot of hit. I understand why they protect the quarterback in this league because of the hits that they do take. When you have a quarterback that's durable and can last, that's when you know you have a guy."

Tired of having to answer the same questions over and over again, Kelly then provided an in-jest declaration of Foles' status.

"He's the starting quarterback for the next 1,000 years," said Kelly. "I'm on a one-week deal. I don't think we have to do anything. I don't think Nick's going to come in tomorrow and say, 'I don't want to play anymore because I don't think you guys want me six weeks from now.' So the questions we get asked about it long term, right now it's not long term. Long term for us is this Sunday against the Detroit Lions. End of the deal."

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