The Eagles have vehemently denied any conspiracy surrounding Mike Vick’s uncertain return due to a lingering concussion. Whatever Vick’s dealing with won’t matter now, not after Andy Reid declared Nick Foles the starter for the remainder of the season.
Reid made the decision official yesterday after an impressive Sunday night game out of Foles. The rookie went 22-of-34 for 251 yards and a touchdown.
“I think where we’re at right now in the season that gives this kid an opportunity to play and finish it up,” Reid said. “Number one, I just think he’s playing well enough to where I think he can win football games for us, and two, I think where we sit at this position in the season, [and] I think it’s the right thing to do. With Michael we need to make sure he gets healthy. This thing has carried on a while here now and I want to make sure he is good to go.”
The coach credited Foles’ progression, especially in terms of his footwork. Reid also pointed out that he spoke with Vick about the change and the injured quarterback was fine with it.
“He was very positive about it,” Reid said. “Completely understood and was on board.”
Washburn out as line coach
Last week, after reports broke that defensive line coach Jim Washburn was unhappy with Jason Babin’s release, it became apparent he wouldn’t be retained next season.
Well, why wait? Andy Reid announced that the team had parted ways with Washburn after less than two seasons. Former defensive line coach Tommy Brasher takes over.
“This isn’t a move to save my job. That’s not what that is,” Reid said. “This is a move I think needed to be done now and so I did it now. That’s about as far into depth I’m going to go with that.”
Reid indicated that Washburn’s infamous Wide-9 front would stay in the defensive game plan, just in a more limited role.
“As far as the wide nine goes, it just won’t be as prominent,” Reid said. “Will there be a time and a place when we use it? Yes. Will it be every snap? No.”
Brasher served as Eagles defensive line coach in 1985 and again from 1999-2005.
New Year’s Eve with Shady
As LeSean McCoy continues to battle a concussion — he’s been upgraded to phase three, according to the team — the running back is set to guest host a New Year’s Eve party at the Linc.
Plans for 215NYE’s “Countdown for a Cause New Year’s Eve Red Carpet Affair” were released this week. The event, taking place on Dec. 31, will benefit Rising Sons and Duffy’s Hope, two non-profit organizations.
The stadium’s West Club will be morphed into a lounge complete with DJs, live bands and VIP areas. General admission tickets are $99, with VIP tickets ranging in cost from $125-$2,000.
