Phil Sheridan, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Nick Foles: McNabb 'entitled to opinion'

PHILADELPHIA -- During his years as the Philadelphia Eagles' franchise quarterback, Donovan McNabb had to listen to criticism from all over the place. From Rush Limbaugh to Bernard Hopkins, everyone had an opinion about McNabb.

So it's either fitting or a shame that McNabb now plays the role of critic while the current Eagles quarterback, Nick Foles, has to react.

On Tuesday, McNabb appeared on 97.5 The Fanatic, the ESPN radio station in Philadelphia. When asked if he thought Foles was a franchise quarterback, McNabb said no.

"I can't answer that, but if I had to give a take, I would say no," McNabb told the station. "I think what he will do, he won't do what he did last year, that just won't happen. I see him being maybe a 25-touchdown, 8 to 10 interception guy."

Foles threw 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 2013. He started only 10 of the Eagles' 16 games, replacing Michael Vick in the lineup after Vick injured his hamstring. Foles' passer rating for the season was 119.2, best in the NFL and the third-best season rating in league history.

"Everybody's entitled to their opinion," Foles said after practicing on Tuesday. "I haven’t earned anything yet. Like I said, it’s a week-to-week thing. It always will be. My job’s to go out there and play to the best of my ability. I haven't earned anything yet. Maybe when I’m done with football totally, I'll look back and see something, but no."

McNabb was the second overall pick in the 1999 draft. He was coach Andy Reid’s personal choice to build his offense around.

Foles was a third-round pick in the 2012 draft. He started six games as a rookie. They proved to be Reid's final six games after 14 seasons in Philadelphia. When coach Chip Kelly took over, Foles competed with Vick for the starting quarterback spot. Vick won the competition last summer, but Foles ultimately prevailed.

"I just had an opportunity to go out there and play, Foles said. "My teammates stood beside me. Mike was tremendous throughout everything. That helped me a lot when I prepared and went into a game.

Now Foles is going into his first season as the No. 1 quarterback. He said he's excited to get started. He also understands the job comes with a certain amount of outside noise and criticism -- even from people who should know better.

^ Back to Top ^