Eagles: Nick Foles scrambling into stardom

Nick Foles has quietly gotten the job done on the ground this season for the Eagles. Credit: Getty Images

Nick Foles will never be confused with Michael Vick or Randall Cunningham in terms of leg work. But it’s not as if Foles can’t shine when he gets out of the pocket. He ran for a career-high 47 yards on nine carries last week against the Redskins, a week after running for a then-career high 38 yards on eight carries.

While Eagles fans would prefer Foles using his stellar arm, considering he leads the league in the passer rating category with an impressive 128.0 mark, the second year QB says he’s becoming more comfortable out of the pocket.

“It’s fun going out there running and getting the feel for it because it is something different,” Foles said. “I feel like week-to-week I’m getting more and more comfortable with it. It’s really helping us get first downs and before long they will really have to account for me and it will open up.”

Foles has already shown that he’s quite capable using his legs near the goal line. In his head-turning performance against the Buccaneers on Oct. 13, he had a four-yard touchdown plunge into the end zone. And in last week’s victory over the Redskins, Foles had another four-yard TD run, also in the first quarter.

Eagles head coach Chip Kelly was asked this week about Foles’ decision-making when it comes to leaving the pocket and said his quarterback is getting adjusted.

“I think it’s been good,” Kelly said. “He’s missed a few and he’ll admit that. But a lot of that is through repetition … But it’s an experience factor. You get a little more comfortable, little better feel of it.”