This was they saying last year about Nick Foles: By the numbers: Foles historic rookie rankings: How does Nick Foles stack up against other rookie quarterbacks throughout NFL history? The numbers might surprise you. Now that Foles’ season has ended one game prematurely, thanks to a hairline fracture in his right (throwing) hand, we can try to put his passing numbers in context. Foles started six games and played in seven overall in relief of Michael Vick, and not only did he break most Eagles rookie passing records despite playing less than half a season, his numbers stack up pretty well against most rookies in NFL history. The final numbers: Foles completed 161 of 265 pass attempts (60.8 percent) for 1,699 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. What does it all mean? Welcome to Nick Foles By the Numbers! • Of the 116 quarterbacks in NFL history who threw 200 or more passes as rookies, Foles’ 60.8 completion percentage is fifth-highest, behind only Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers in 2004 (66.44 percent), Robert Griffin III of the Redskins (66.40 percent) so far this year, Russell Wilson of the Seahawks (63.4 percent) so far this year and Matt Ryan of the Falcons in 2008 (61.1 percent). • With just five interceptions in 265 pass attempts, Foles averaged one interception every 53 pass attempts. That’s the second-best figure in NFL history by a rookie, behind only RG3’s one INT every 63 pass attempts. Griffin would probably have to be picked off at least three times by the Cowboys Sunday for Foles to pass him for the best interception ratio in NFL history by a rookie quarterback. • Foles average of 243 passing yards per game is third-highest in NFL history by a rookie, behind only another current rookie, Andrew Luck (279) and a rookie last year, Cam Newton of the Panthers (253). • Foles 60.8 completion percentage is fourth-best in Eagles history, again based on a minimum of 200 pass attempts. The only more accurate seasons were turned in by Donovan McNabb (64.0 percent in 2004, 61.5 percent in 2007) and Michael Vick (62.6 percent in 2010). • Foles’ 1,699 passing yards are the second-most in NFL history by a quarterback who played seven or fewer games. Brian Griese threw for 1,803 in seven games for the Bears in 2007. • Foles is only the third rookie QB in NFL history to throw for more than 1,600 yards with five or fewer interceptions. The others are Hall of Famer Otto Graham (1,834 yards, five interceptions) for the Browns in 1946 and, once again, RG3 so far this year. • Foles is the first rookie in history with two games of 340 or more passing yards and a 62 percent completion percentage. Jeff Garcia had two such games for the 49ers in 1999, but because he had played in the CFL, he wasn’t technically a rookie. • In just six starts, Foles had four games in which he completed at least 65 percent of his passes (on 20 or more attempts). Only eight rookies have had more such games in an entire season. • Foles is the second rookie in history with two games of 340 or more passing yards within his first seven starts. Newton did it last year. • Foles is only the 17th quarterback in NFL history to have a season with at least 250 pass attempts, a completion percentage of at least 60 percent and five or fewer interceptions. • From 1933 through 2011, there were only five games in which a rookie quarterback had a passer rating of 85 in a game for the Eagles (with 20 or more attempts). One each by 1987 replacement QB Scott Tinsley, plus one by Koy Detmer, Donovan McNabb, Mike Boryla and John Reaves. This year alone, Foles had five such games in just seven appearances. • Foles had three games in six starts with 45 or more pass attempts. Only Luck (six games) has had more games as a rookie in NFL history with 45 or more pass attempts. • Foles’ 265 pass attempts are the most in NFL history by a quarterback playing seven or fewer games. The previous high was Griese’s 262 in 2007 and Steve Grogan’s 261 in 1989. • Of the 116 rookie quarterbacks who’ve attempted 200 or more passes, Foles’ passer rating of 79.1 is 12th-highest and higher than 21 of 23 Hall of Famers (all but Dan Marino 96.0 and Y.A. Tittle)
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 23:04:20 +0000
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