Wentz Not Cleared, Foles to Start Sunday

By Paul Bowman, Eagledelphia Managing Editor

Doug Pederson announced today that quarterback Carson Wentz has still not been cleared for contact. When asked why Nick Foles was starting this week, Pederson snapped back.

Have you heard Carson cleared yet? Ok, there you go.

He did specify later on in the press conference that Carson was still not cleared. With that, the Eagles will lean on Nick Foles once again against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Foles did not have a great night against the Falcons last Thursday, completing 19 of 34 pass attempts for 117 yards. Pederson mentioned that they will look to take a quicker tempo offense on Sunday to get Foles the completions he needs to develop some steam and look like more the quarterback Eagles fans saw in the Super Bowl.

One we could hurry up tempo. I think it’s a good way to get the quarterback in rhythm. And then early in games find plays that are completion type plays, you know, that are kinda the no-brainer you don’t have to think a lot, you’re not necessarily into the heat of the battle yet, and you always have those types of plays in your gameplan that are just balls out – whether it’s a quick throw or a quick play action or something of that nature – that becomes a quick little completion play for the quarterback and help him settle in and get into the game.

While the Buccaneers were able to put up 48 points with their own backup quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, they also allowed 40 points to be scored against them. If Foles is able to get into a rhythm early, this could be a huge offensive performance for an Eagles team that really needs it.