NFL Playoffs: Nick Foles vs. Case Keenum
By Jon Dove
It’s crazy to think that we are about to watch a game in the NFL Playoffs that will decide whether Nick Foles or Case Keenum will be a starting quarterback in the Super Bowl.
This year’s NFL Playoffs have been very entertaining and we figure to get more great action this weekend. The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Minnesota Vikings game features two quarterbacks who didn’t figure to be in this position.
In fact, both Nick Foles and Case Keenum were on the 2015 St. Louis Rams roster and were allowed to leave via free agency. These are two quarterbacks who were signed by their current teams to serve in a backup role.
However, they have both risen to the challenge and have helped their teams reach the NFC Championship game. Keenum has done the most to help his overall future as it seems likely that he will be the Vikings quarterback moving forward.
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Foles is still under contract with the Eagles for next season with a very manageable cap hit of $5.4 million. It’s hard to imagine another team offering the Eagles enough in a trade to have them part ways with such an affordable and reliable backup.
For today’s game, most of the pressure will be on Foles to perform at a high level. The Vikings defense is a dominant unit that will likely shutdown the Eagles running game. Foles is going to need to make some big plays in order for the Eagles to pull off a win.
However, Keenum is also facing a tough defense and will need to deal with the Philadelphia crowd. It’s also important to note that this is Keenum’s first outdoor game in over three weeks. The Eagles are going to bring a ton of pressure and try to force Keenum into some mistakes.
Minnesota is the favorite heading into the game, but this matchup has the feel of a toss up. It’s going to come down to which former backup quarterback rises to the challenge.