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St. Louis Rams: Is Nick Foles Their Guy?

By Erik Lambert

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Mar 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (center) is introduced to the media at Rams Park. Foles is joined by Rams head coach Jeff Fisher (left) and general manager Les Snead (right). Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports

Nobody really raised too much of a fuss when the St. Louis Rams traded Sam Bradford.  He’d had four years to begin living up to that lofty status of being the #1 overall pick and never could.  Granted, not all of it was his fault but the lack of progress and two ACL injuries to the same knee compelled the franchise to make a decision to move on.

Their way of doing so was to ship him off to Philadelphia in exchange for Nick Foles.  Again, not much reason to gripe.  Foles is a younger veteran who suffered an unfortunate collar bone injury last season that lost him the starting job.  Before that in 2013 he produced one of the more remarkable seasons in league history, throwing for 2,891 yards, scoring 30 touchdowns and turning the ball over just four times.  He did all of that in 13 games.  That’s why he made the Pro Bowl.  It’s clear the guy has talent and explains why the Rams are interested in keeping him long-term.

The question would that be the best decision and is Foles a good fit for their offense.  Remember that Chip Kelly runs a far different scheme from the one St. Louis will employ.  However, there is one thing they did that may help explain how best to utilize the quarterback.

In 2013, the Eagles ranked 1st overall in the NFL in rushing.  LeSean McCoy won the rushing title that year.  With help from that balanced attack, Foles was able to carve defenses up off play action and protect the football.  That is something head coach Jeff Fisher has always championed.  He wants to run the ball, play good defense and have a quarterback who is efficient but has the talent to take shots when required.

Remember, the Rams have drafted Tre Mason and Todd Gurley over the past two years.  Their backfield is loaded and their defense stacked.  This is, arguably a better team than the one Foles led to the playoffs two years ago.  If he’s healthy and plays up to that level again, there is no reason to think he won’t be a good fit for that franchise.

As to the long-term extension idea, it feels a little early to discuss something like that.  Perhaps the Rams will end up choosing to wait until they’re sure of what they have.  At least that’s what they should do.  Foles had one really good season, but other than that he’s been inconsistent or hurt.  His talent isn’t in question.  It’s whether he can duplicate his first great success in a league that constantly evolves ways to make you irrelevant.

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