History was made today for the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback, Carson Wentz recorded his 100th career passing touchdown, becoming the fastest quarterback to accomplish this in Eagles franchise history.
He has now surpassed former Eagles’ quarterback, Donovan McNabb, who previously held this record.
THE ROAD TO 100
On Sunday, September 27, Lincoln Financial Field hosted the Cincinnati Bengals during Week 3 of the 2020 season. Just before halftime, the Eagles scored their first touchdown of the game. The pass to wide receiver Greg Ward marked Wentz’s 100th career touchdown.
No. 100 for No. 11
That score marked Carson Wentz’s 100th career passing touchdown! pic.twitter.com/4JDx3dVdLu
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 27, 2020
The pass left the Eagles ahead 13-10.
Wentz made this career achievement during his 59th NFL game. He also set the record for the fastest player to accomplish this in Eagles’ history. Currently, he sits in fifth place on Philadelphia’s all-time touchdown list.
Ahead of Wentz lies Norm Snead with 111 career passing touchdowns in 85 games. Donovan McNabb remains ranked at No. 1, with 216 total passing touchdowns in 148 games from 1999-2009.
WENTZ’S CAREER WITH THE EAGLES
As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Carson Wentz made his first career touchdown pass in his opening NFL game against the Cleveland Browns.
He finished his first season with 379 completions, setting a single-season franchise record and a league-record by a rookie. He also set a season franchise record with 607 pass attempts, the second-highest by a rookie in league history.
In 2017, Wentz finished 13 games with 3,296 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and a 60.2 completion percentage. He was regarded as a possible NFL MVP, and despite a season ending knee injury, he was ranked third in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018 by his fellow players.
Despite losing the opportunity to play in Super Bowl LII, Wentz was a huge factor in the Eagles’ success, helping Philadelphia to an 11-2 record before he left. He was selected for the Pro Bowl, but also could not participate.
Recovering from his knee injury, Wentz played in 11 games in 2018, finishing early due to a back injury. He completed his season with a 5-6 record, but still managed to pass for 3,074 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Last season, Wentz returned for a full 16 games. The Eagles suffered 13 injuries, but Wentz prevailed and became the first quarterback in franchise history to pass for at least 4,000 yards. He was also the first to do so without any receiver catching at least 500 yards.
He ended 2019 as the only quarterback in NFL history to record 95+ passing touchdowns and 35 or fewer interceptions in their first 54 games.
CELEBRATIONS HINDERED BY A TIE
Going into the 2020-21 season, Philadelphia had high hopes for Carson Wentz and the Eagles. However, it’s been a rocky start, leaving many to wonder what’s happening with the team. Unfortunately, Sunday’s game ended in a 23-23 tie against the Bengals.
During the Eagles’ post-game show, Wentz stated that this was his first tied football game.
Philadelphia is now 0-2-1.
Fans have been displeased with Wentz’s gameplay, but the reality is, the team as a whole continues to endure injuries, and their rhythm is inconsistent every week.
For Wentz, whether the issues are mechanical, emotional, or related to the plays called, he’s accomplished everything he has for a reason. Despite the criticism he endures, he has the ability to not only correct his struggles but bounce back in the upcoming weeks.
During Week 3, he ran nine times for 65 yards and scored a touchdown for the tie with under 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter. He then threw his best pass of the day to tight end Zach Ertz for 30 yards. Although he may be lost at the moment, he still holds promise.
His 100th career touchdown should be celebrated. As for the remainder of the season, we’ll hope Wentz returns as the comeback kid.
Philadelphia heads West to play the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4.