Eagles' Foles: credit QB for losses, team for wins

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles has an interesting take on how responsible he, or any quarterback, is for his team's won-loss record. He says quarterbacks are responsible for losses while teams should get credit for wins.

''Wins are the team,'' Foles said. ''That's why you have to play together.''

That seems a little tough, even for the extremely humble Foles.

''I do it in a productive way,'' Foles said as his team prepares to face the New York Giants on Sunday night. ''I don't tear myself down, you never want to do that. 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 fueled doubters questioning whether 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 team's record.

''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.''

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.

Again, Foles wants to spread the wealth.

''We won those games as a team. I go out and play for those guys, because I know they're out there playing for me,'' he said. ''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.''

NOTES: Four Eagles have been ruled out of Sunday's game with the Giants, while starting inside linebacker DeMeco 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 back 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).