Carson Wentz’s Top 5 Performances in 2019
The Philadelphia Eagles were unsuccessful in their Wildcard Playoff game versus the Seattle Seahawks, yet that didn’t even seem like the first concern of the Philadelphia fan base.
This game left everyone feeling either cheated, annoyed, disappointed or a mix of all three.
The cause for such a reaction was the fact that Carson Wentz, the quarterback who has not been healthy for the past two postseason runs, would finally be able to start a playoff game. He would experience the thrill of the playoffs for a total of two drives before being speared in the back of the helmet by Seahawks OLB Jadeveon Clowney.
After being ruled out of the game with concussion-like symptoms, it left fans with a pessimistic outlook on the rest of the contest. To see a guy like Wentz — a hardworking, dedicated leader — not be able to finish a playoff game for the third consecutive season is devastating.
While the ending to his season wasn’t how most fans envisioned it, his play in 2019 reminded many why he was a number two overall draft pick. Wentz showed flashes of his 2017 form; a year many believed he should have been named NFL MVP.
In this piece, I will choose the best five performances from Carson Wentz’s 2019 campaign. This list will take into account not only statistics but on-field play as well.
5) Week 8 @ Buffalo Bills
Photo: EaglesWire.USAToday.com
Look, Wentz didn’t light up the sky in this performance. That’s not why he played exceedingly well, though. Wentz impressed by playing efficiently well through windy conditions against a top-tier defense on the road.
He finished the game with 172 yards passing and a score while not committing a single turnover. His touchdown total doesn’t do his performance justice. Wentz was able to lead the offense to touchdowns on four separate drives with a 71% completion rate.
With the wind estimated at 23mph during the contest, the Eagles had to have known throwing the football couldn’t be the only gameplan. Carson showed a level of leadership over the offense by playing team-oriented football, and it sealed the Birds a huge victory.
4) Week 16 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Photo: BloggingTheBoys.com
A must-win game for the Birds to be able to win the NFC East. They must beat Dallas for any shot. The only problem is that Philadelphia’s injury bug has caught up to most of the starting roster.
With a squad consisting of Zach Ertz, Miles Sanders, Dallas Goedert, Greg Ward, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Robert Davis, and Josh Perkins, Carson Wentz had to lead a lackluster offense with minimal chemistry.
Regardless of his surrounding talent, Carson Wentz threw for a season-high 78% completion rate. He threw for 319 passing yards (his second-highest total all season) and a score while having zero turnovers.
Wentz played efficient football and allowed RB Miles Sanders to open up the defense. Sanders had 20 carries in the contest; a career-high.
3) Week 15 @ Washington Redskins
Photo: NJ.com
Ahhhhh, yes. The famous Greg Ward game.
Carson Wentz had a number one wide receiver that was recently signed off of the practice squad. Without Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, and Nelson Agholor, Carson Wentz and wide receiver Greg Ward were needed more than ever.
Wentz was able to post three touchdowns and zero interceptions on 70% completion. His 266 passing yards gave him a passer rating of 109.3, his third-best rating of the 2019 season.
Wentz proved that he can elevate the level of play of those around him. Carson makes players better, and it’s as simple as that. Leading the offense to victory without their top-three wide receivers, their starting running back, and their all-pro right tackle is surely an accomplishment.
It must also serve as a reminder to Philadelphia fans across the nation that Carson Wentz is a legitimate talent at the most important position in sports. Doing that much damage with such a depleted roster is scary for the other 31 teams.
2) Week 4 @ Green Bay Packers
Photo: TheRinger.com
Carson Wentz was able to march into Green Bay and win on the road versus the (13-3) Packers on the legendary Lambeau Field. Despite having a mere 160 passing yards, Wentz was able to produce a smooth-running offense consistently.
The Eagles’ signal-caller was able to throw for three touchdowns in the contest. In the second quarter, Wentz and the Eagles offense were able to convert three straight drives for three touchdowns in a total of 20 plays.
Carson Wentz was missing his deep-threat in this game with DeSean Jackson still nursing his week-two injury, therefore he played a simple logic: take what the defense gives you.
This performance was encouraging to see as it proved that Carson could still orchestrate nice, long drives despite having injuries to key players.
1) Week 1 vs. Washington Redskins
Photo: nj.com
Remember when this offense looked like a top-tier unit? Back in week one, Wentz had his weapons as healthy as they’d be all season, sadly.
His starting offense consisted of DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Jordan Howard, Darren Sproles, and Miles Sanders. This game was a preview of Wentz with viable options across the field. A deep-threat, a star tight end, a strong-bodied ‘X’ receiver, a power-type running back, and a receiving-type runningback.
Wentz was able to post 313 passing yards on 72% completion while also tossing three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He posted his highest passer rating of the 2019 season (121.0) and also a season-high in yards per attempt (9.56y/a).
When Wentz had his original unit in play, the Philadelphia Eagles looked like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The offense clicked on all cylinders and it was largely due to Wentz’s play.
With 4:30 left to play in the second quarter, Wentz and the Eagles were losing to the Redskins by a score of 17-0. Philadelphia’s star quarterback was able to rally his team from that point on and post 32 points.
This performance should inject confidence into any doubters of Wentz.
Find Carson Wentz surrounding talent, and he won’t be stopped.
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