Foles, First-Team Offense Struggle

CHICAGO — Not a great start for Nick Foles and company.

The first-team offense played three series in the preseason opener against the Bears. Two ended in Foles interceptions and the third a Donnie Jones punt. Not the end of the world, but certainly not what Chip Kelly was hoping for out of his starters.

Foles finished 6-of-9 for 44 yards and a pair of picks. The first one came on the team’s first possession. Facing pressure, Foles’ pass intended for Ifeanyi Momah floated and was hauled in by safety Ryan Mundy. Earlier on the drive he wasn’t able to locate a wide-open Jeremy Maclin streaking down the field, and was nearly intercepted on a pass over the middle intended for Brent Celek.

Maclin, playing in his first game since 2012, had one catch for 15 yards.

Foles’s second interception came in Bears territory at the end of the first quarter. His pass intended for Zach Ertz was behind the tight end and wound up in the hands of Sherrick McManis (no relation).

Riley Cooper (foot) made the trip to Chicago and is out of the walking boot but did not play. Foles had been practicing without both Cooper and Maclin (sore legs) for much of the week and had trouble getting synched up with a make-shift receiving corps that included Momah, Arrelious Benn and Brad Smith. He continued to look out of his comfort zone tonight, even with Maclin back in the fold.

It wasn’t just Foles. The offense’s second drive stalled thanks to three penalties (the flags were everywhere Friday night): a Maclin facemask and holds by Evan Mathis and Jason Peters. Mathis was flagged for holding twice in limited action.

Plenty to work on next week in the lead up to the second preseason game against the Patriots, which includes three joint practices in New England.