Nick Foles remains behind on the Rams’ QB depth chart; Jeff Fisher discusses Sam Bradford
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INDIANAPOLIS — Nick Foles is not in the lead to be the Los Angeles Rams’ starting quarterback, and he remains behind Case Keenum – and in competition with one or two quarterbacks that coach Jeff Fisher plans on acquiring.
“When the season was over, I made the statement that Case is our starter and Nick and Sean (Mannion) are going to have a chance to come in and compete,” Fisher said. “That’s where we are. There’s probably going to be another one in camp. …That’s a position we look to upgrade.”
An ESPN report earlier this month indicated that the Eagles are interested in re-acquiring Foles, who coach Doug Pederson coached as a rookie.
Foles came to the Rams last season in a deal for Sam Bradford. The Rams also acquired a 2016 second-round pick. Foles signed a two-year contract extension worth $24.5 million before the season. He started 11 games and finished with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
“Nick got, I don’t want to say overwhelmed, but I have a feeling when guys get into their third or fourth year, sometimes they need a deep breath,” Fisher said. “Because there’s so much pressure on the quarterback position, not [just] on Sundays, but on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays to be perfect. I think that kind of affected Nick a little bit. Nick’s a starter in this league. He can play in this league. He’s proven that. But when you get in a slump, you’ve got to go to the bullpen.”
Bradford had a better season than Foles. He started 14 games and threw for 3,725 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Fisher, who coached Bradford for three seasons and took the Rams job in part because of Bradford, followed his former quarterback from afar. He texted Bradford good luck on occasions and emphasized the respect he has for Bradford.
“I thought he played well. He made plays. He dealt with injuries and things like that, defensively,” Fisher said. “I was really happy. Happy he started the first game and finished, because that was our concern – not he wouldn’t, but a concern in the event he didn’t.”