Eagles Minicamp: Nick Foles shines in final offseason practice

Nick-Foles.jpg

Nick Foles left a strong impression on the final day of Eagles minicamp.

(Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports )

Nick Foles left one heck of an impression on Chip Kelly. The second-year quarterback, mired in a quarterback competition with Michael Vick, had one of his best days of the offseason on the Eagles' final day of minicamp practices.

Foles' top moment came when he hit DeSean Jackson deep down the right sideline for a 60-yard touchdown. The perfectly thrown pass traveled 65 yards in the air and hit Jackson in stride.

It was one of several impressive throws by Foles on Thursday at the NovaCare Complex. He also threaded the needle down the middle of the field several times. His numbers (see below) pretty much tell the story, especially the touchdown column.

Michael Vick Nick Foles Matt Barkley Dennis Dixon G.J. Kinne
37 reps (25 first team) 37 reps (14 first team) 20 reps (20 third team) 6 reps (6 third team) 1 reps (1 third team)
17 of 26 19 of 25 with 2 TDs 10 of 14 1 of 2 1 of 1

You knew it was a good day for Foles when a pair of his passes were almost intercepted. Brandon Boykin came close to pilfering the first, then Cary Williams dropped the second. They came on back to back plays. On the very next rep, Foles put the ball through a tight window and hit Brent Celek across the middle for a 50-yard touchdown.

In my estimation, it wrapped a nice offseason for Foles. He looked comfortable in Kelly's offense right from the start. In the seven sessions the media was allowed to attend, I didn't see him commit one turnover.

Vick had his moments. He made his usual special throws, but also fumbled and threw a pair of interception on Wednesday. He had a sub-par day on Thursday as well. Vick's group didn't get into the end zone.

Based largely on the past few days, I believe Foles was the better of the two quarterbacks this offseason. He also left a much better final impression.

Practice Observations:
• The Eagles kicked field goals during the live sessions when the offense stalled. On one of those kicks, Alex Henery nailed a 55-yarder with plenty of room to spare. It looked like it would have been good from 65 yards.

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• The defense didn't have much success in the live drills. Of course, it hurts that there is no hitting, but Williams dropped what should have been a routine interception and Nate Allen was burned badly by Jackson on the deep ball. Clifton Geathers also jumped offsides on one play, leaving Fletcher Cox quite upset with his fellow defensive lineman.

• A positive on the defensive front: Brandon Boykin continues to impress. He had another strong practice. And not just as the slot corner either. Boykin has excelled as the second-team left cornerback behind Bradley Fletcher throughout training camp and minicamp.

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