If the Philadelphia Eagles are going to continue their recent string of success, they’ll need Carson Wentz to not only stay healthy, but become the franchise quarterback he was drafted to be.
Wentz has finished the last two seasons on injured reserve and watched his team win a Super Bowl without him two years ago. The man that won that Super Bowl MVP, quarterback Nick Foles, is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Foles didn’t leave town without getting the Eagles to the playoffs again after the team started the season 5-6 with Wentz at the helm.
Carson Wentz is the QB5 in fantasy points per game and trails only Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson in touchdown rate over the past two seasons. D-Jax, Sanders, Howard, JJAW added. Goedert waiting. OL loaded.
Wentz ADP: QB10
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) July 8, 2019
It’s tough to think that the former No. 2 overall pick has to live up to the standards set by his former back up, but Foles’ accomplishments in an Eagles uniform won’t soon be forgotten. For Wentz to silence any doubters and secure his own destiny, he’ll have to at least match what Foles accomplished.
The Eagles, at least, believe in Wentz. They extended the 26-year-old quarterback through the 2024 season with a $128 million deal with $107 million in guarantees. It wasn’t a deal that reset the market, but it does pay Wentz $32 million a season, making him currently the fourth highest paid quarterback in the league.
Over or under 3,520 passing yards for Carson Wentz? https://t.co/m9pjWyQcsm
— Bleeding Green Nation (@BleedingGreen) July 1, 2019
According to Philadelphia offensive tackle Lane Johnson, his quarterback has entered this upcoming preseason and camp work with a whole new mindset.
“I love it, every day when I go in the building, all I see is him (Wentz) in there before everybody else, rehabbing, doing whatever it takes.” Johnson told the NFL Network. “I just think he’s really on a different mental state than he’s ever been as far as training and ignoring distractions and really trying to be the best player he is. So, I just see that worker and a guy who is about to do some big things this season.”
Lane Johnson on Carson Wentz on @nflnetwork 🔥🔥
“I just think he’s really on a different mental state than he’s ever been as far as training and ignoring distractions and really trying to be the best player he is. I see a guy who is about to do some big things this season.” pic.twitter.com/76UllF53Wi
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 9, 2019
There is no Foles safety net behind Wentz this season. If Philadelphia is going to make another title run, it’ll be their former first round pick that takes them there.