Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz had a rough start to the 2020-21 season. Up until Week 5, countless fans were furious over his gameplay, often doubting if he should hold his position as the team’s leader.
However, a turn of events has taken place, and nothing makes me happier. A Carson fan since Day 1, I’d like to think I’m a “glass half full” Philly fan. The game’s political aspect is understood and I’m well aware that Wentz is paid millions of dollars to go out on the field and perform well, but aren’t we all paid for our jobs and don’t always execute flawlessly?
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Although Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers resulted in a 38-29 loss for the Eagles, Wentz had his best performance of the season, and that’s a positive we can all agree on. He had a calmer appearance on the field and produced accurate passes, placing trust in the Eagles’ newest wide receiver Travis Fulgham.
Wentz passed for 258 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also ran for 11 yards and completed a risky two-point conversion pass to wide receiver John Hightower.
Wentz showed better decision-making abilities and left Heinz Field with encouraging signs going into Week 6.
FALL SEVEN TIMES, GET UP EIGHT
With what seems like a repeat of 2019, the Eagles went into Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens with two starters remaining — Wentz and Jason Kelce.
The Eagles trailed by 18 points into the fourth quarter, but Wentz brought a whole new meaning to “fall seven times get up eight.” After enduring seven sacks, he created three touchdown drives helping the Eagles score 22 fourth-quarter points.
Wentz showed so much progress that even Ravens coach John Harbaugh noticed. He stated, “I have to give Carson Wentz a lot of credit. He got hit and kept coming back. He was making plays with his legs, hanging in there and making throws. I give Carson a lot of credit. I thought he led them”.
Although the Eagles may have endured two back-to-back losses, their shortcomings were only a combined 11 points to two of the best teams in the league this season.
Offensive center Jason Kelce stated, “Carson doesn’t need to show me anything, I know who he is. I know who he has been since he has been here. He did an unbelievable job all year really of fighting through a lot of hits”.
League evaluators also agreed, labeling his gameplay as better than any other quarterback during Week 6.
A WIN TO RE-LEAD THE NFC EAST
The Eagles’ most recent matchup was against fellow NFC East rival, the New York Giants during Thursday Night Football. Going into the game with a 5-0 Thursday night record since head coach Doug Pederson took over, the Eagles added one more win.
Philadelphia trailed the Giants 21-10 in the fourth quarter; however, after a pair of touchdown drives with under seven minutes remaining, Wentz completed five of eight passes for 121 yards.
His 59-yard-pass to wide receiver John Hightower generated the first scoring drive. Minutes later, with only 40 seconds left, a throw for an 18-yard touchdown to Boston Scott won the game. The Eagles beat the Giants, 22-21.
BOSTON SCOTT COMES THROUGH.
The @Eagles take the lead with 40 seconds left!
📺: #NYGvsPHI on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/QAopB1gqR8— NFL (@NFL) October 23, 2020
To date, Wentz has 27 sacks, and Thursday’s line-up was Philadelphia’s sixth different offensive line combination. However, he finished the game with 359 yards and proved he’s here to stay.
FULL OF PROMISE
In the last two games alone, Wentz’s fourth-quarter quarterback rating is 118.2. Thursday night, he finished with a 153.3 passer rating and a 91.1 quarterback rating, both a season-high.
“He’s the leader of our team for a reason, and you saw that tonight [Thursday], leading our team down there to get the two scores late in the game. Quarterbacks sometimes get measured by fourth-quarter comebacks. I know that’s part of a stat that gets recorded, and he’s done that,” head coach Doug Pederson stated.
Running back, Boston Scott also added his appreciation. “He’s a tough dude. Real tough dude. He battles day in and day out. It’s not just in the game – all throughout the week. He’s a true professional, a true leader. He does what he is supposed to do. His toughness is wild, and I have a lot of respect for him”.
Aside from division games approaching in Week 8 and 10 (Week 9 is a Bye), Philadelphia has a threatening line-up. Wentz isn’t perfect, but he knows he must play better. He has proved there’s promise. This season may not be panning out the way Philadelphia initially thought, but now we must place our faith in a player who won’t stop fighting.
Philadelphia will host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 1, at 8:20pm.
