Philadelphia Eagles: Dreams And Nightmares from Week 2

Nightmares from Week 2

Carson Wentz

For the second week in a row, Carson Wentz looked like the worst starting quarterback in the NFL. With a 28.1 QBR, statistically, Wentz is the worst starting QB in the NFL. Wentz has thrown four interceptions in just two games, which equals out to more than half of his seven total interceptions in 16 games last season. Needless to say, Wentz, in his fifth year as the Eagles’ starting QB, looks like he may have regressed.

Wentz made a really questionable decision in the third quarter when the Eagles were storming their way back from a 21-3 deficit and were in position to take the lead. Wentz decided to throw a pass into double coverage in the direction of another guy on this dreadful list, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, which resulted in his first interception of the day. Wentz proceeded to finish the day with even more inaccurate throws – overthrowing receivers and getting picked off a second time in the fourth quarter. Wentz needs to turn it around against the Cincinnati Bengals, or this team is in serious trouble.

JJ Arcega-Whiteside

JJ Arcega-Whiteside wasn’t involved much in the Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams per usual, but it always seems like he is involved just enough to mess things up. Arcega-Whiteside, who scouts notoriously regard as a jump ball guy in the end zone and raved about in training camp, has failed to make a single reception through the first two weeks of the season. Whiteside was targeted just twice in the game, one of which he made no legitimate attempt to even try to catch, and the pass that was picked off early in the third quarter in the end zone.

So did JJ really only make this list because of a catch he didn’t make? No, he made this list because it has become apparent that Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman is forcing targets to Arcega-Whiteside for his own benefits. Unfortunately, as DK Metcalf continues to shine bright in Seattle, we will continue to look at Roseman as a fool for taking Whiteside over him in the 2019 draft (more on that here).

Jim Schwartz

Jim Schwartz has been the topic of many discussions throughout the city of Philadelphia early on in this week. After coaching a defense that surrendered 37 points, 449 total yards, and close to 200 rushing yards to the Los Angeles Rams, Schwartz is officially on the hot seat. Sean McVay answered everything the Eagles defense threw at his offense led by QB Jared Goff.

Goff had a career day going 20-27 for 267 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and a 95.9 QB rating. This was definitely one of McVay’s best-coached games, finally enabling him to beat a Doug Pederson coached team for the first time in his career. The Rams offense moved the ball effortlessly throughout the game. Schwartz failed to rattle Goff, all the while refusing to scheme up blitzes; a philosophy on defense that apparently involves incorporating linebackers that are not fit to play on the professional level. Schwartz continues to enlist his trust into guys like Jalen Mills and Nate Gerry, who quite frankly are not good despite being “good character” guys.

All in all, another really disappointing outing by the Birds. The main detractor on this team appears to be Carson Wentz, as his turnovers have killed the Philadelphia Eagles’ chances to win in the first two matchups of the season. While the defense is truly concerning, these games are winnable if Wentz just doesn’t turn the ball over. I stressed this last week, but the Eagles need Wentz to play like a “Dream” next week, or the Eagles will be 0-3 after their matchup with the Bengals.