(Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
Every time I turn on the television, it is always about Foles and Wentz. Foles this, and Foles that. At the end of the day, I know the quarterback will always get the credit when the team succeeds. However, this has been far from just the “Foles show”. Every member of the organization has stepped up and helped the Eagles to get where they are at today. Let’s start on the defensive side of the ball.
All Malcom Jenkins and Nigel Bradham have done this year is show up game after game. If Fletcher Cox is the heart of the defense, Jenkins and Bradham are the two main arteries. These guys are out there damn near every play and never take a snap off. Bradham kept the linebacking core together while Hicks was out, and Jenkins has kept the secondary together through all their injuries. Without them, this team doesn’t make the playoffs.
On offense, the offense line doesn’t get nearly the credit they deserve. They have kept Foles clean since the moment he stepped in. The Eagles have faced Aaron Donald, JJ Watt and Khalil Mack since Foles took over. Those three have combined for 0 sacks against the Eagles. The line has been spectacular, but specifically Lane Johnson has played at a ridiculous level. It seems as if he took his pro bowl slight to heart. He has played his best football all year the last month of the season.
So, do me a favor, next time you turn on the tv and hear about Nick Foles please remember those guys. Remember Malcom Jenkins, Nigel Bradham, Lane Johnson, and all those guys who have stepped up in the secondary in the absence of Mills, Darby and McLeod. Don’t forget about veterans like Jason Peters, Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett who battled through injury all season for this team. While Foles will get all the credit, don’t forget about the guys who kept this team together when they were 4-6.
