Washington Redskins rookie backup quarterback Kirk Cousins knows what that’s like after replacing Robert Griffin III mid-game against the Atlanta Falcons in October.
“It is a difficult situation to be thrown in like that, but we all understand the situation we’re in,” Cousins said. “It’s not a surprise to us in the sense that we know we have to be ready at any moment. That’s the job of a backup quarterback.”
Cousins hasn’t since gotten the luxury of a week to prepare for an opponent. That’s Foles’ duty this week, as it has been widely reported he’ll start against the Redskins at FedEx Field on Sunday.
Philadelphia coach Andy Reid stuck with Vick through nine interceptions and five lost fumbles, so even he doesn’t know quite yet what he has in Foles.
“We’ve only seen three quarters on him in the real football part of it,” Reid said on a teleconference with Washington media members. “But I can tell you he’s a smart kid, and he’s a tough kid and he’s got a good arm. The players have respect for him.”
Foles seemed like an upgrade even before Vick went down with injury.
“We’re behind anybody that steps up, whether it’s Vick, Nick Foles, whoever is in there, they will get the job done,” defensive end Trent Cole said. “It’s not something we’re suspect about.”
The Eagles liked the Arizona product enough to take him in the third round of 2012 draft, and he beat out Mike Kafka for the No. 2 job during the preseason, so the expectations are there.
“I thought he handled things properly. I think you’ve got to be wired right to play in the NFC East as a quarterback, to deal with the media, to deal with fans, to deal with the football part. That’s all part of it,” Reid said. “I thought he could do that. But his production, he did well in college. He threw the ball around and utilized a lot of receivers. It looked like he understood coverages. It seemed like the players around him played hard for him.”
Before Foles’ time at Arizona, Cousins knew him at Michigan State during his freshman season.
“You get to know guys and you get to see them go on and do successful things, whether it be in college or in the pros,” Cousins said. “And so there are a lot of guys that I follow and cheer for and am excited to see them getting opportunities and Nick is certainly one of those guys.”
Foles will get his opportunity against the Redskins, who are 0-8 in their last eight times facing rookie quarterbacks. The Eagles aren’t worried about the unknown factor of Foles getting his first NFL start, judging based on his character.
“The only thing I can really say is I think he’s a very poised quarterback. He’s comfortable,” Cole said. “He doesn’t get distracted.”
• Stephen Whyno can be reached at swhyno@washingtontimes.com.
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