Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz Already Setting Records
Carson Wentz laid waste to more critics in Monday night’s victory over the Chicago Bears. He’s looking stellar and breaking records along the ride
In what began as a drama-filled quarterback controversy in offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles have managed to burn through the chafe and select their starter. Sam Bradford requested a trade almost immediately after the Eagles traded up to get the second pick in the draft. Just five months after vehemently denying his request, they traded Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings.
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Minnesota is without their starter, Teddy Bridgewater, and Bradford has immediately been able to step into the starting role. With him out of the way, Wentz has tenaciously attacked his role as the Eagles signal-caller.
It’s not surprising the Eagles chose to start Wentz in their season opener versus the Cleveland Browns. With all the Eagles had to concede to get the second pick in the draft, Philly was eager to bring Wentz up.
Now, the Eagles coaching staff has been proved correct in their strategy. In the past 46 years, only five rookie quarterbacks have managed to win the first two games of the season. The more remarkable stat is the lack of an interception by Wentz. He prides himself on ball control and it’s evident in his play.
Here’s what Wentz had to say about his success, per UPI.com:
"“(Ball security) is something I pride myself on and it’s something this offense prides itself on,” Wentz said. “Just controlling the ball. Protecting the football. Making smart decisions. Being aggressive, but also being calculated. Knowing when to take chances.”"
With a meager 23 starts in his time in college at North Dakota State, few expected Wentz to start this early in his NFL career, let alone excel in his first two regular season appearances. What’s most impressive about Wentz isn’t just his talent, but his attitude as well. The guy has poise and keeps calm when the pocket starts to collapse around him.
Like the rest of the NFL, head coach Doug Pederson has been impressed with Wentz. He’s clear-headed and has great vision down the field.
Here’s what Pederson had to say about Wentz, per UPI.com:
"“He can see the entire field that way. When people are falling around his feet and the pocket is collapsing, he’s always looking to make a play down the field. Even on some scrambles Monday night, he took some shots down the field. We didn’t capitalize on them, but it’s great to see he can see that part of the field.”"
For now, Wentz’s success has led Philly to be tied for first in the NFC East with the New York Giants. Up until Week 3, the Eagles have faced putrid defenses. Neither the Bears or the Browns defense has a level of talent worth writing home about. They’re 24th and 25th, respectively, in points allowed this season.
This week, the Eagles look to return to the City of Brotherly Love to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wentz will have to count on his defense to step it up and give him a chance to outscore the Steelers if he’s to maintain his current streak.
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The Steelers are also 2-0 to start the season, but their defense is remarkably better than Philadelphia’s past two opponents. They’re currently in eighth for points allowed with 16. Although Le’Veon Bell is still out on suspension, the Steelers run game has looked sharp with DeAngelo Williams as the starting back. Not to mention Antonio Brown‘s business is still booming with Roethlisberger throwing effortlessly this season.
Week 3 will be a real test for Wentz. If the rookie has flaws, they’re sure to be glaring against the Steelers.