Carson Wentz’s Top 3 Performances of 2018
After an unexpected 2018 season, there were constant debates regarding the Eagles’ quarterback situation. With Wentz being officially named the Eagles’ starting quarterback for 2019, and Nick Foles likely to be traded in the off-season, the Eagles’ have made it clear who they have chosen.
Instead of entertaining the argument between two of Philly’s most beloved athletes, I will be discussing Wentz’s top performances from 2018 while highlighting the positives and negatives from said games. Carson’s 2018 season could be summarized as chaotic or inconsistent; however, I believe that there were many positives in his play that should allow us Eagles fans to be optimistic for the 2019 season.
#3. Week 7: Panthers @ Eagles (Lost, 17-21)
310yds 2 TD 0 INT
30/37 (81.1%) 68.6qbr 119.6rtg
photo via panthers.com
I think every Eagles fan would prefer not to remember week seven’s loss. After being up 17-0 entering the fourth, the Eagles plummeted downwards and allowed the Panthers to score 21 straight points to receive the win. As ugly as this loss was, it shouldn’t overshadow Wentz’s amazing performance. Wentz was able to pass for over 300 yards and tack on two scores through the air. He did have two fumbles (one lost fumble) but passed well by throwing zero interceptions and completing a season-high 81% of his passes.
Carson had his third-best passer rating of the season with a 119.6 rating. Outside of the excruciating performance late in the fourth quarter by the offense, Wentz was able to deliver early and often.
One throw that stood out to me the most by Wentz in week seven was his 29-yard pass down the left sideline to Alshon Jeffery. Wentz beautifully placed the ball on Jeffery’s outside shoulder and allowed his big wideout to make a play.
#2. Week 10: Cowboys @ Eagles (Lost, 20-27)
360yds 2 TD 1 INT
32/44 (72.7%) 76.5qbr 102.5rtg
photo via theeagleswire.usatoday.com
Yeah I get it, Carson and the Eagles weren’t able to deliver a win in this week ten divisional showdown with the Cowboys; however, this loss was hardly due to the play of Wentz. The Eagles’ signal-caller threw for 360 passing yards; a season-high, and the second most he has ever thrown for in a game in his young career. Wentz was very efficient in week ten, completing 72.7% of his passes; second highest on the season.
He threw a bad interception in the first quarter to Cowboys’ rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, but after the error, Wentz couldn’t have looked better. Tight end Zach Ertz was Wentz’s favorite target during the Sunday night primetime game, catching 14 passes for 145 yards. The pair also connected for two touchdowns on the day.
Wentz’s best pass of the day came in the fourth quarter with about nine minutes left. Carson came up clutch with a 51-yard bomb to Nelson Agholor to put the Eagles in the red zone and eventually tie the game. The pass was perfectly timed and displayed how accurately Wentz can throw downfield.
#1. Week 6: Eagles @ Giants (Win, 34-13)
278yds 3 TD 0 INT
26/36 (72.2%) 95.0qbr 122.2rtg
photo via sportingnews.com
Back in week six, Carson showed glimpses of his 2017 form. Against the Giants, Wentz had a season-high 122.2 passer rating. He was able to deliver 72.2% of his passes, third highest on the season. Wentz led the Eagles to a crushing victory over the Giants with three touchdown passes. Carson and the offense were as efficient as they could be, as they did not turn the ball over once, and only gathered four penalties all game. The Eagles were 9 of 16 (56.3%) on third down conversions, which is significantly higher than the team’s average from 2018 (41%).
Wentz had many great passes from his performance. My favorite play of Carson’s from his Thursday night showdown with the Giants was his 13-yard touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery in the first quarter. During this play, Carson was able to beautifully extend the play, as he rolled out to his right and eventually dropped a dime to Jeffery in the back of the endzone. Alshon and Wentz were able to beat three-time pro bowler Landon Collins in coverage on this play, making it all that more impressive.
Carson finished his 2018 campaign after a lingering back issue became apparent following week 14’s overtime loss to the teams biggest rival, the Cowboys. Despite only playing 11 games, Wentz finished with 3,074 passing yards and a decent 21-7 touchdown to interception ratio. His 69.6% completion percentage and 102.2 passer rating were career highs.
One thing to note is his lack of rushing in 2018, averaging 8.5 rushing yards per game, a substantial decrease from 2017 when he averaged 23.0 rushing yards per game. While this could be seen as concerning due to his past ACL injury, I believe we should see this number increase again in 2019.
The Eagles still have a great roster surrounding their young quarterback, and there should only be optimism for the new year. The Eagles may not be the clear cut favorite heading into 2019, but with Wentz back to 100% health next season, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Wentz and the Eagles shock the world yet again.
Featured Image: bleedinggreennation.com All Statistics via ProFootballReference.com
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