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The most important player to every NFC teams’ playoff hopes

By Joel Deering

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball for a 21 yard touchdown, his second of the day, in the fourth quarter of them game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball for a 21 yard touchdown, his second of the day, in the fourth quarter of them game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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NFC teams' playoff hopes - Nick Foles
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 18: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 18, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Eagles 48-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Eagles (7-7)

Most important player: QB Nick Foles

In his three starts this season, Nick Foles has completed 69% of his passes for 721 yards, one TD, two INTs and a passer rating of 81.8. Last season when Foles was in for the Eagles, he completed 56.4% of his passes for 537 yards, five TDs, two INTs and a passer rating of 79.5.

It’s clear by the numbers that Foles isn’t the most important player to this NFC team’s playoff hopes because of his passing ability. After watching the Eagles win the Super Bowl last season and beat the Rams last week, it’s clear the Eagles can win without Foles being a great passer.

If it’s not Foles’ passing ability that’s most important, then what is it? Foles is the most important player to this team because they seem to play better when he’s in. For whatever reason, the Eagles play better when they’re doubted by everyone. For whatever reason, the rest of the team takes their game to the next level when Carson Wentz isn’t there to make up for their mistakes.

It doesn’t really matter what Foles does as a passer for this team. He could throw a couple INTs or even just be average, but his presence in the game makes every other unit on this team perform in a way they just can’t seem to when Carson Wentz is playing.

If only the Eagles could have played like they did against the Rams all season long. The important thing is that they’re playing like that now, which may just get them into the playoffs.

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