NFL Notebook, Week 12: NFC’s elite, Jason Garrett’s future, fantasy sleepers and more
By Zach Cohen
The Struggles of Goff and Wentz
I know I said it just a minute ago, but my, how the mighty have fallen.
The first and second picks of the 2016 NFL Draft have endured roller coasters of careers thus far. At one point a season ago, Goff was a potential MVP contender. At one point two seasons ago, Wentz was a potential MVP contender, before he was injured.
Unfortunately for them, they’re finally on the same page. Both young signal-callers have had noticeable struggles this season. Whether it’s due to a regressed offense or injury-depleted skill positions, the once promising futures of Goff and Wentz no longer exist.
Don’t get me wrong, I still believe that the two can turn things around. I find it ridiculous to be calling for quarterback changes for the Rams and Eagles. Yes, Goff is 28th in completion percentage among 34 eligible quarterbacks, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to jump ship? Remember when Goff was prematurely labeled as a bust after his underwhelming rookie season under Jeff Fisher?
As for Wentz, his stats show regression, not a bad quarterback. Wentz is a good quarterback in a dying situation. It doesn’t help that Philadelphia fans seem to get angry easily, too.
It may be a little concerning that both quarterbacks are struggling after their previous successes, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to move on. If Goff and Wentz decline in 2020, then a succession plan will likely be needed. If the Rams and Eagles wait too long to fix their quarterbacks’ issues, then they could get stuck in mediocrity, a.k.a. the “Winston-Mariota” Zone.