Nick Foles plays down DeSean Jackson tirade

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles has played down an altercation between himself and wide receiver DeSean Jackson during yesterday's 48-30 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings.

Jackson reacted angrily after a pass intended for him was picked off by Vikings cornerback Shaun Prater, and the receiver had to be held back by teammates and a member of the coaching staff on the sidelines immediately after the play.

Foles has admitted that he was at fault with the throw but insists that Jackson's reaction was fuelled solely by the desire to win rather than any ill-feeling between the two players.

"It was just a bad throw. It was as simple as that. DeSean is a competitor and he wears his emotions on his sleeve. He was frustrated with what was going on because he wants to win so badly and he wants to make plays so badly," Foles told reporters.

"I understand DeSean and I understand the frustration. You just let him cool down a little bit and then he is all right. He just has so much heart and passion that he wanted to make a play and I didn't put him in a good position.

"The one thing that I said to him out there was to stay with me. I am going to keep firing them at you and he stayed with me the whole game. We will have a better relationship because of it."

Despite the loss, the Eagles remain top of the NFC East due to the Dallas Cowboys' failure to beat the Green Bay Packers despite having a 23-point lead at half time.