Carson Wentz was an up-and-coming talent who had a legitimate future in the NFL. But after being benched for a rookie quarterback, Wentz’s future doesn’t look as bright as it once did.
In 2017, the Eagles’ Carson Wentz threw for 3,000+ yards, had 33 TD, and ended the season with a 101.9 passer rating. His TD-to-INT ratio was 3-to-1, and he was declared a ‘rising star.’
Today, it’s a different picture. His completion percentage, yards, yards-per-play, and touchdowns, and passer rating are down, while his INTs and sacks are up. What’s causing those dramatic differences?
One issue–perhaps the most prominent–is the Eagles’ offensive line. In 2017, the Eagles had three Pro Bowlers in Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, and Lane Johnson. Jason Peters, at left tackle, didn’t get the recognition he deserved, but he was very, very good. Overall, the O-line had an average grade of 76.24 (Pro Football Focus).
Today, Kelce is still an elite center, but Peters is past his prime. The rest of the offensive line is young and largely unproven. It’s no surprise, then, that the PFF average had dropped to 65.72. That’s a noticeable difference, and the result has been more sacks. In 2017, Wentz was sacked 28 times in 12 games (about 2.3 sacks a game). But in 2020, Wentz has been sacked 50 times in 13 games, which translates to almost 4.0 sacks a game.
The Eagles’ receiving corps is another issue. When comparing then to today, it’s not difficult to find production and quality differences.
There’s more, too. In 2020, the Eagles’ top three receivers have a very modest level of NFL experience (1.5 seasons). The bottom line? Wentz’s weapons have seen better days, and the inexperience at wideout just compounds the other issues that Wentz and the Eagles face offensively.
While it makes sense to analyze Wentz’s surrounding cast–and there are multiple issues there–it would be a mistake not to look at Wentz himself, specifically his mechanics.
So why doesn’t the Eagles’ QB coach step in? Well, an unwritten rule among QB coaches is to refrain from making mid-season mechanic changes. The reason? More harm can result than good.
There’s still another issue in the “what’s wrong with Wentz’ mix. It’s his approach to the game, something that worked at ND State in college and during his early years with the Eagles but isn’t working now.
But you can’t blame Wentz alone. Blame the Eagles’ play-calling, too. Wentz frequently attempts to throw into tight windows and, when he did, he often ends up making bad throws into good coverage.
So what is going to happen to Carson Wentz?
–First, there’s the Draft. The Eagles will have the 6th overall draft pick this year. They could draft Ohio State’s Justin Fields or Clemon’s Trevor Lawrence if they trade up or if one of the two drops on Draft night.
–Second, Philly could stick with Jalen Hurts, which depends (of course) on how Hurts plays the rest of this season.
–Third, there’s a trade possibility. Chicago would be a reasonable landing place. Indianapolis is another. The Colts will need a quarterback when Philip Rivers retires.
There’s a fourth option, too. That’s fixing what needs to be fixed–including what’s ailing the team and Wentz’s mechanics–and sticking with him.
The storyline here is familiar: a once-heralded player now struggles to remain a frontline NFL player. It’s not all Wentz’s fault, but he, too, must shoulder some of the blame.
