Eagles Wake-Up Call: Foles No. 1 In Jersey Sales

The last time we checked in on Nick Foles‘ jersey sales was shortly after his seven-touchdown performance against the Raiders in November.

The page where you can purchase a Foles jersey on the team site saw a 25 percent spike in hits following that showing in Oakland, yet sales hardly went up at all. Fans were looking at it, they were thinking about it, but weren’t quite ready to take the plunge.

Now they’re jumping in.

Foles’ is currently the top selling jersey of merchandise purchased through team channels. From March until present, the Foles No. 9 has accounted for 42 percent of all jersey sales. LeSean McCoy is right behind him at 41 percent.

Interestingly enough, Brian Dawkins‘ jersey comes in third at seven percent.

“It is surprising that’s the case, to be the third highest-selling jersey for a fan base as rabid and passionate as the Eagles fans are,” said Dawkins in a phone conversation with Birds 24/7. “The first thing that came to mind was a song that I used to love to listen to by The Five Heartbeats called ‘I’ve Got Nothing But Love For You, Baby,’ and that’s really what we have to be honest with you. I have a strong affection for Philadelphia fans and they have that same affection for me.

“That will never leave. That’s a part of me from here until the good Lord calls me home. I will always have that connection with the fan base.”

Jeremy Maclin and Darren Sproles are among the next best selling jerseys in recent months.

Here’s how it broke down for the same time period last year:

LeSean McCoy     44 percent
Michael Vick        20 percent
DeSean Jackson  19 percent
Brian Dawkins    12 percent
Jeremy Maclin      2 percent
Brent Celek             2 percent

While Foles has a slight edge when it comes to team-sold merchandise, McCoy is well out in front in national sales. His jersey is the 12th-most popular in the NFL. Foles is not ranked in the top 25.

WHAT YOU MISSED

Earl Wolff’s knee, Chip Kelly on the Patriots and more in yesterday’s camp notes.

Why doesn’t Jordan Matthews run more with the ones? Sheil’s practice observations.

A Giant injury, Washington’s “special talent” and more in the NFC East roundup.

Josh caught up with Troy Vincent, who’s making an impact in the league office.

Sheil breaks down a new weapon Nick Foles added to his arsenal.

“I’m still embarrassed about the situation.” Weekend reading.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Josh Huff feels like he’s back at Oregon, writes Matt Lombardo of NJ.com:

For all of his self confidence and previous knowledge of the scheme from his days playing under Kelly at Oregon, Huff pointed out that he needed to recalibrate his knowledge of the offense when he stepped into the Novacare Complex for the first time.

“It kind of caught me off guard,” Huff said of the differences between Kelly’s Oregon offense and the scheme he’s installed in Philadelphia. “But that’s where I had to retool and rebuild my system over. Now that that’s over with, now I can just focus in on the offense and now I feel like I’m back in Oregon.”

After posting 144 receptions for 2,366 yards and 24 touchdowns in four seasons with the Ducks, three of them under Kelly, Huff explained that the biggest adjustment has been the terminology used.

Mark Eckel of the Times of Trenton wonders if the Eagles are using their linemen properly:

“The best player on that defense?’’ a personnel man who watches the Eagles closely, asked. “Well, the guy I’d want the most is Fletcher Cox.’’

“Yeah, if I was grading them, I’d give Fletcher the highest grades,’’ another pro scout said. “He’s their most complete player from what I’ve seen.’’

Trouble is, since the Eagles switched from a 4-3 front to a 3-4, you don’t get to see Cox do as much as he can.

“He can play in a 3-4 and be damn good at it,’’ the personnel man said. “But for my taste he’s a 4-3 tackle, getting inside pressure and creating havoc. I think that’s what he does best.’’

COMING UP

Billy Davis will address the media prior to today’s 11:35 practice at the NovaCare.

Don’t forget to pre-order your Eagles Almanac.

Josh Paunil contributed to this post.