At the end of last February, once Philadelphia Eagles fans sobered up and started thinking about a defense of the team’s first Super Bowl title, none of them likely looked forward to Nate Sudfeld floating a pass downfield to Shelton Gibson against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.
Most know about Nick Foles taking a hit in the exhibition against New England. Most know Foles could start over Carson Wentz because Wentz’ knee is still healing, but – who’s Shelton Gibson? And how hurt can Foles be more than three weeks from Game 1? Wasn’t he standing casually on the sideline after being hit by the Patriots, smiling now and then?
Philadelphia Eagles Options at Quarterback, Receiver
Let’s back up. It still seems somewhat unlikely that third-stringer Sudfeld will be throwing to second-year receiver Gibson in the first game. After all, Gibson has caught only two passes in games that count, and his longest catch went for six yards. Sudfeld has a bit more real NFL experience, but we’ll come back to that in a bit.
Late Aug. 18 we still didn’t have the results of an MRI done on Foles’ shoulder. However, Eagles reporter Les Brown foreshadowed some bad news. Bowen recently wrote a column in the Philadelphia Inquirer with the headline ”Sudfeld emerges as key for Birds.” In it Bowen went on at some length about the chemistry between Sudfeld and Gibson. As neither were on the active squad last early last season, they found each other to practice with on their own and have particularly developed a touch on deep passes.
Sudfeld appreciates Gibson’s willingness not to give up on his “go ball,” and the results in two exhibitions so far have been good. Through two preseason games, Gibson has a 63-yard touchdown catch against Pittsburgh and five catches against New England.
Chances the Dynamic Duo Plays Week 1
Again, this doesn’t mean the 5-foot-11 Gibson will be on the field during the opener, though he’ll likely make the active squad. However, Sudfeld’s situation may well be a different matter altogether. The 6-foot-6 Indiana product needs to be ready. Wentz admitted recently to a sports talk radio host that it was going to be “close” when he was asked whether he’d be available for the opener. The Atlanta game is right at the edge of the timeframe physicians usually give the type of knee repair Wentz underwent.
On top of that, the Eagles have historically treated Foles with kid gloves during the preseason. Before the ’17 campaign, Foles inactivity in training drew a lot of comment.
In other words, if either Wentz or Foles cannot play in the season opener, Sudfeld will be one of the available quarterbacks, in either case, the backup. Once a quarterback is number two for the day, he is one play away from taking live snaps. With two bad medical reports related to teammates, he could start.
So, where would that leave the Eagles if Sudfeld actually takes the field at any point in South Philly against the Falcons?
Nate Sudfeld has played in one real NFL game, the meaningless last game of last season against the Dallas Cowboys. He threw the ball well, completing 19 of 23 passes, but without a score. He also didn’t throw an interception.
In this preseason, he has been exposed more consistently, as Bowen points out. He’s completed just over 60 percent of his passes for five TDs and three interceptions. Only one interception was his fault.
We’re Just Not at the Bottom Line Yet
Sudfeld passes the eye test. Whether he’d pass it against a top-notch defense like the Minnesota Vikings’ remains to be seen.
Nick Foles’ MRI results may be available today. Carson Wentz may be in 11-on-11s this afternoon for the first time in a while. But in consideration of the fact that numerous Philly wide receivers have been banged up this preseason, maybe throwing Sudfeld and Gibson out there Sept. 6 isn’t the dumbest idea at all.
Or this could all just be pre-season chatter, and on the first play of 2018 that counts, Wentz may hit Alshon Jeffery for a 65-yard TD as he streaks down the right sideline.
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