It didn’t take long for some Jacksonville Jaguars fans to want a change at quarterback despite Nick Foles just returning Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts. After witnessing two abysmal performances by the offense (and defense) in which the passing game hasn’t been able to produce much, fans have been calling for the return of “The Stache,” but just as he did Week 11, Doug Marrone has shot those dreams down again after Week 12’s defeat.
In his weekly conference call with the media Monday, Marrone stated that he’s playing the veteran because he believes Foles truly gives the Jags the best chance to win. However, he also added that Foles wouldn’t be exempt from being sidelined if he saw the need to make a change.
“Absolutely not,” said Marrone. “I think what I said was if the person at that position, or any position, is not going to give us the best chance to win, then I’m going to make a change at that position. […] I’m not going to put someone out there that I don’t feel is going to give us the best chance to win if I have an opportunity to put someone else in there. Right now, I believe that he gives us the best chance to win.”
Foles got off to a good start against the Colts hitting DJ Chark Jr. in the first quarter for a touchdown pass, but since that moment, it hasn’t been pretty. Much of the statistics he’s received have come while the Jags’ games have been out of reach, though he hasn’t necessarily been the team’s sole issue.
With the team set to face the Tampa Bay Bucs and their No. 31 ranked passing defense, there shouldn’t be any reason Foles struggles this upcoming Sunday. However, if he does, it may not be long before we see how much authority Marrone has in making a switch at the position.