Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz can make team perennial contenders
By Jeremy Klump
![Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11)] passes against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F54dadfcfdb2f014956d4400caa0fd55a5524aa48ea4a128123224989acf0da4b.jpg "Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11)] passes against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports")
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has the talent and attraction to free agents to make the Eagles perennial contenders.
The Philadelphia Eagles are technically 1-0 in 2017 after beating the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 of the 2016 NFL season (the game was on Jan. 1, 2017). However, their biggest victory of 2017 has come this offseason. Philly has done a fantastic job giving their most important piece of their Super Bowl puzzle, second-year quarterback Carson Wentz, weapons to succeed.
It was evident in 2016 that the Eagles did not have the pieces to help Wentz win games and that needed to be addressed this offseason. Howie Roseman and Joe Douglas took this seriously and did some serious work fixing the roster. They first started by signing free agent wide receivers, Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. Jeffery will add the No. 1 the offense was lacking a year ago and was the top free agent wide receiver while Smith will help take the top off of opposing defenses.
Roseman and Douglas also drafted wide receivers Mack Hollins and Shelton Gibson to ensure that Wentz would have some depth and reliable pass catchers. Along with the pass catchers, the Eagles added two running backs. First, they drafted Donnel Pumphrey in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He will fit nicely in their offense. However, they still needed a running back to carry the load. That is where former New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount fits. Blount was the missing piece of the offense and is poised to have another stellar year running the ball.
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Jeffery and Blount have two big things in common. First, they were two of the top free agents at their position this offseason and chose the Eagles. Second, they both mentioned Wentz being a reason they came to Philly. The 6-4, 230 pound wide receiver even went as far to say Wentz will be a future NFL MVP.
Why is it worth noting that Wentz was a reason Jeffery and Blount came to Philly? It shows that Wentz is attracting free agents, which is huge for the Eagles and their future. NFL veterans want to play with a second-year quarterback. His rookie season wasn’t extraordinary, statistically, but the film tells the true story. On film, Wentz flashed superstar potential, but his weapons (if you want to call them that) did not help much. The eye in the sky doesn’t lie, and that is why free agents want to play with the North Dakota State product.
Don’t get caught up in the 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Those numbers aren’t significant this early in his career. Instead, look at the way Wentz commands the game and a huddle. Look at the way he feels pressure in the pocket and evades with elite ability. When a future Hall of Fame player like Jason Peters buys into a rookie quarterback, it says a lot about that signal-caller.
On multiple occasions, Wentz threw a dime last season that should have been a touchdown but was dropped. Free agents, like Jeffery, see those throws and think about being the one to catch that beautiful throw for six points. His talent is undeniable, and his potential is limitless. When I first broke down Wentz before the 2016 NFL Draft, I said, “Wentz can, and will, be a franchise quarterback and the face of a franchise. He is a can’t-miss prospect at the quarterback position.”
You have to give Roseman and Douglas credit for a great offseason. Although, a lot of credit also needs to go to Wentz. His attraction to free agents is an important aspect for the future of this franchise. If Wentz continues to progress, that will only attract more free agents.
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Knowing that the team can sign big free agents because of Wentz while having the draft to improve the roster as well; the Eagles front office has to be ecstatic. Then when you add the talent Wentz has and his endless potential; the Eagles front office has to be in heaven. Wentz can make the Eagles perennial contenders — and give them an opportunity to win their first Super Bowl.