Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Eagles: Top 5 Moments of 2016

By Anthony Mazziotti

Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts after his touchdown run in the fourth quarter brought the team within one point of the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts after his touchdown run in the fourth quarter brought the team within one point of the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next

The Philadelphia Eagles Find Their Franchise Quarterback, Carson Wentz

Philadelphia Eagles
Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

This has to be the best moment of 2016 for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Birds have a promising homegrown quarterback for the first time since the days of Donovan McNabb.

Franchise quarterbacks are tough to find in the NFL. Every year there are players that don’t work out, for example Tim Couch. He was drafted first overall in 1999 over Donovan McNabb. McNabb has his number retired in Philly and Cleveland fans are still searching for a quality starting quarterback.

While it is still hard to say that Carson will be the guy for years to come, it’s just as hard to label him a bust. Wentz showed a lot this season. He clearly has the potential to be a great quarterback in this league, but he still showed he has a lot to learn. He had his fair share of ups and downs during his rookie season.

His high was being named the Offensive Rookie of the Month. He didn’t have one specific low point, but being the quarterback of a team that started 3-0 and losing nine of the next twelve games isn’t exactly ideal.

The most impressive thing about Wentz is his passion for the game paired with a high football IQ.  According to the coaches he is the first person at the Novocare Complex and the last person to leave. Any issues that he has mechanically will be worked out. His understanding of the game will only improve from here.

The upside is there for our young quarterback. He has all the tools, he’s just missing some playmakers. Jordan Matthews is a good receiver, not a great receiver. Zach Ertz has shown flashes that he can be a top 10 tight end in the league, but needs to be more consistent. Given a stronger run game and a better receiver to line up opposite Matthews and the Eagles will have a scary offense. This is also assuming the o-line is strong and stable.

Next: Rookie Wendell Smallwood Still Promising

These are things that the Eagles know they have to work on and things that will be addressed in free agency and the draft. The days of winning championships with a strong defense and a subpar quarterback are over, sorry Trent Dilfer.

The hard part is over for the Eagles, they have a quarterback they trust moving forward. Carson Wentz is absolutely the best thing to happen to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016, he brings hope to our franchise and I cannot wait to see what he does in his sophomore campaign.

Home/Philadelphia Eagles