NFL Preview: New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Nick Foles has his own take on how responsible a quarterback is for his team's record.

"Losses, yes," the Eagles' quarterback said."Wins are the team. That's why you have to play together."

Foles, whose next game is against the New York Giants on Sunday night, tries to take a "productive" approach.

"I don't tear myself down, you never want to do that," he said. "But if I do make a mistake, why did I do that? And if I see that again, what am I going to do? I want to correct that so what used to be a mistake is now a good play."

Foles has made his share of good plays this season, but not the same way he did a year ago when he threw 27 touchdown passes with just two interceptions for a league-leading quarterback rating of 119.2.

This year there have been more mistakes. His eight turnovers (five interceptions, three fumbles) and an 82.5 quarterback rating have created doubt if he's the long-term answer for the Eagles.

Foles' teammates, especially wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, and coaches have defended the quarterback's inconsistent play this season by pointing out the Eagles have only lost once in five games.

"We're 4-1, and he's been our starter throughout," Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said."So that's the overriding judgment. We don't judge him as much as we coach him to get better.

"I think everybody is still hung up on 27-2, right? We all know what I'm referring to," Shurmur said. "But we're a different team. We have different players in there. We're facing different opponents who are playing us different. We're standing here getting ready to play the Giants in our sixth game, and we've got four wins."

Since he became the full-time starter in the middle of the 2013 season, when he replaced an injured Mike Vick and then kept the job, Foles' record is 12-3.

"We won those games as a team," Foles said. "I go out and play for those guys because I know they're out there playing for me. As a quarterback, you get a lot of credit and you get a lot of blame. That's all a part of it when you sign up to play the position. From a young age, that's going to happen. You just can't let it get to you.

"I focus on what's inside this building, what's in that locker room. Anything else I can't listen to it, it's not personal against ya'll, but I can't let clutter get in my head," he said. "If you let a bunch of clutter get in your head, how are you supposed to go out and play effectively?"

NOTES: Four Eagles have been ruled out of Sunday's game with the Giants, while starting inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans is listed as questionable with a groin injury, meaning there is a 50-50 chance he will play. Ryans has played in 53 straight games dating to 2011. The four players ruled out are center Jason Kelce (sports hernia), wide receiver Brad Smith (groin), running back Chris Polk (hamstring), and linebacker Mychal Kendricks (calf).

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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