:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47429834/usa-today-8855015.0.jpg)
There, apparently, are two versions of St. Louis Rams’ quarterback Nick Foles. There’s the 2013 version, while with the Eagles, where he threw 27 touchdowns compared to two interceptions. The 2013 version of Foles was a Pro Bowl-er.
And then there’s the 2014 version. That version was far less impressive. Foles only started eight games in 2014, which was cut short due to injury, but he racked up 9 INT’s in that span and finished the year with an 81.4 passer rating.
The St. Louis Rams hoped to get the 2013 version when they swapped him for Sam Bradford a few months ago.
Five games into the 2015 season, with the Rams owning a 2-3 record, Foles has thrown six touchdowns, with five interceptions. He’s boasting a 77.6 passer rating; which ranks 28th amongst NFL quarterbacks.
Not certain what sparked the comment, but Sports Illustrated’s Doug Farrar apparently took note on Thursday morning. And it appears he thinks he knows which version of Foles the Rams are getting...at least thus far.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Man, is Nick Foles a hot mess right now. No rhythm, drifting out of the pocket, making incomprehensibly bad throws. Big problem.</p>— Doug Farrar (@SI_DougFarrar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SI_DougFarrar/status/654628687111786502">October 15, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A fan - a Seahawks’ fan, no doubt - immediately sought clarification. Farrar’s response...the Rams may have to consider benching him.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/StevenDeJong93">@StevenDeJong93</a> This is worse. If he keeps playing like this, they're going to have to consider sitting him.</p>— Doug Farrar (@SI_DougFarrar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SI_DougFarrar/status/654629148950859776">October 15, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Now, this is all fresh off of what is probably considered the worst game of Foles’ career. Against the Packers last Sunday, Foles threw four interceptions [one of which was returned for a TD], completed only 11 of his 30 attempts, and finished the game with a career-low 23.8 passer rating.
Last night, having gone back and watched the Rams at Packers game, Cian Fahey - who writes for Bleacher Report and Football Outsiders - took to Twitter, noting flaws in Foles’ game, as well.
Pocket Presence/Escapability
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Foles doesn't have an obvious WR open downfield, but his reaction to pressure is always to move backwards: <a href="http://t.co/qDHrjbKDLy">pic.twitter.com/qDHrjbKDLy</a></p>— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cianaf/status/654441856449814528">October 14, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Footwork/Mechanics
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No discipline in his feet, not set to throw after stepping forward. Post was on for TD, sack instead: <a href="http://t.co/s4WfqhKEiY">pic.twitter.com/s4WfqhKEiY</a></p>— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cianaf/status/654444503730946048">October 14, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Anticipation
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Foles has to see the receiver turn before he can begin his motion. WR gets tackled immediately waiting on ball <a href="http://t.co/Gv7gdmB91S">pic.twitter.com/Gv7gdmB91S</a></p>— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cianaf/status/654448010953420800">October 15, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Vision
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I don't think Cook can stop the INT even if he continues in his route. No idea why Foles is throwing it regardless: <a href="http://t.co/2KWleaocaa">pic.twitter.com/2KWleaocaa</a></p>— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cianaf/status/654446064594997248">October 14, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Accuracy
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A drop where you feel for the WR. Quick runs a comeback towards the sideline but ball comes high, inside <a href="http://t.co/4nIWHfnw47">pic.twitter.com/4nIWHfnw47</a></p>— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cianaf/status/654451412064206848">October 15, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
There was plenty more on Cian’s timeline if you’re interested, including how Sam Bradford > Nick Foles.
The point, however, is that folks are taking notice of Foles’ play thus far in 2015. And it doesn’t appear, at least to them, the Rams got the Pro Bowl version. Moreover, they’re now questioning whether or not he’s the guy for the starting job.
Additionally, Jason, creator of Over the Cap, feels the Rams’ decision to trade for Foles was more of a business decision than it was a football one. Hard to argue...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/Cianaf">@Cianaf</a> Alot of it I believe is financial and feeling he was best stopgap type QB available</p>— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jason_OTC/status/654457274472247296">October 15, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Foles, in a press conference earlier this week, had this to say about his play and utilizing the bye week to get better:
We can go back and self-scout and really improve on things as an offense, me as a player. That's what you use the bye week for. Right now, we're utilizing that and using it to our advantage. So far, it's been a very productive week for us. I'm learning more and more every day. As long as I play this game, I'll keep learning.
The Rams next take the field in Week 7, on Oct. 25, hosting the Cleveland Browns. It’s at that time we’ll see if Foles got what he wanted out of the bye week.
If not, Doug Farrar might be onto something. And the writing’s on the wall when Jeff Fisher begins talk of increased practice reps for Case Keenum or Sean Mannion.