Nick Foles Sets Records Against Texans, Might Leave After This Season

The reigning champions, Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) kept their hopes for the playoffs alive, after defeating one of the best teams in the AFC, the Houston Texans (10-5) with 32-30.

It was one very dramatic match in which we saw two things. The first one is Nick Foles’ record-breaking performance, and the second one is the game-winning field goal of Jake Elliott.

But, to be honest, it was all Nick Foles. Even that field goal was because of him and his fast-moving offense which made it possible for Elliott to step on the field and decide the contest.

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According to his teammate Zach Ertz nobody among the Eagles doubted for one second that Foles is going to get the football into the field goal range.

“Foles was so confident and everyone was so calm,” said Ertz. “No one flinched. Guys stuck together.”

In the end, Foles finished this game setting a franchise record for most yards in one match, 471 and for becoming the first guy in Eagles’ history who had 4 games with 400+ yards.

“We saw a team that stuck together throughout the all ups and downs through the game.” Foles said at the press conference, not mentioning his personal stats.

And really, when Vyncint Smith caught a 35-yard TD pass from Deshaun Watson, with 2:04 until the end, it seemed that the champs are going to lose this one and stay outside the playoffs one year after a Super Bowl.

The situation was worse when Foles had to go out after an illegal hit made by Jadeveon Clowney. Just one play later, the hero of Philadelphia came back and not long afterward tossed a 20-yard pass to Zach Ertz who today broke Jason Witten’s single-season record for tight end receptions. Philly’s TE now has 113, three more than the previous record.

Ertz had two touchdowns last night, with 110 receiving yards, from 12 receptions.

Foles was 35 of 49 for 471 yards, 4 touchdowns and one interception. He catapulted Nelson Agholor with an 83-yard touchdown pass at the start of the third quarter for a 23-16 lead of the hosts.

Foles > Wentz? 🧐
pic.twitter.com/EoRjOzwP3r

— Kicks Deals (@KicksDeals) December 23, 2018

On the other side, Texans are very hurt with this loss, as they decreased their chances of clinching one of the first two seeds in the AFC. Deshaun Watson didn’t have a single interception, throwing 229 yards for two TD’s. But he himself carried the football into the end zone twice, posting 8 rushes for 49 yards. Watson also suffered four sacks for a total of 30 negative yards during those plays.

DeAndre Hopkins ended the night with 104 passing yards without a TD pass.

Now, the mathematics steppes up on the stage.

In order to reach the postseason, the Eagles have to defeat Washington next week, in DC, and for Minnesota to slip against the Seahawks.

When analyzing Houston’s situation, and their quest for the No.2 seed, it is a bit more complicated. The Patriots mustn’t win against the Jets at Gilette Stadium, and the Texans have to be better than Jaguars at home. A bit unlikely scenario.

What also worried Philly’s fans is a possibility for Foles to leave this franchise at the end of the season. He didn’t want to talk about it that much, but admitted that he has several options on his desk and that one of them is leaving Lincoln Financial Field.

Nick Foles emotional thinking this could be his final game at the Linc

“It’s emotional. I love playing in Philly. I knew there’s a chance this could be it. This city means a lot to me. There’s a chance it’s coming to an end. I am very grateful for every opportunity to play here” pic.twitter.com/QapoeDUrhQ

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 23, 2018

“There is a chance that this is going to be it. I don’t think about the future, but I am aware of that.” Foles said, being a bit emotional.

“There is a chance it’s coming to an end. But at the end of the day, I am very grateful for every opportunity to play here, to play in front of our fans to wear that jersey. No matter what, no one can take that away from me.”

If by any chance Foles does leave the Eagles, it would be a huge blow for both the organization and the fans, who are looking up to him as the hero and a guy who brought the title in their city.