Matt Ryan went to Boston College, but he’s a Philadelphia native.
That’s where he started playing football, that’s where he became a highly sought-after quarterback prospect, and that’s where he’ll return on Saturday to face his hometown Philadelphia Eagles.
Since Foles has been relegated to backup status in recent seasons, it’s easy to forget he was briefly one of the league’s best quarterbacks. His 2013 sophomore season featured a then-record 27:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio and earned him a Pro Bowl nod; he’s been chasing that kind of production ever since.
“We had a very challenging draft in 2012, and we’ve spent a lot of time since 2012 looking at where we need to shore up our focus and how we need to adjust moving forward,” Dimitroff said. “And a lot of it has to do with lucid communication with the coaching staff, and discerning what’s needed, and where the stresses are within the roster from year to year. That’s important, everyone knows it, that’s not a mystery.
The Eagles QBs are guided by three former college or NFL quarterbacks: Pederson, offensive coordinator Frank Reich and quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo. On game day, Pederson and Reich on the sideline and DeFilippo up in the coaches’ box are keeping track of the hits Wentz is taking. After the Seahawks game, the ongoing conversation about him protecting himself would continue.
Of course, the Vikings’ defense is their biggest strength, allowing the fewest yards and points in the NFL. Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes both made the All-Pro team after leading a shutdown secondary, while Everson Griffen led the team with 13 sacks. This unit will have to be at its best when it faces Drew Brees this week.
But Ben Roethlisberger then led the Steelers on a comeback drive that ended with a heroic catch and extension for a touchdown by Antonio Brown as he fought off three Ravens defenders:
The win put the Steelers at 10-5 on the season and clinched the AFC North. They would later secure the No. 3 seed in the postseason after defeating — you guessed it — the Cleveland Browns!