Eagles

Here’s Another Carson Wentz Hater

By Kyle Scott

Published: Sep 30th, 2016 · 12:38 PM EDT

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I may have to start keeping a list.

Here’s Jonathan Jones of SI.com:

When the bubble bursts on these rookie quarterbacks, it will be much greater than a chewing gum bubble. Even greater than a helium balloon popping at a birthday party. Indeed, when things take an inevitable turn for Wentz and Prescott, it’ll be like a weather balloon bursting in the sky and mercifully falling back down to earth.

When the bubble bursts on these rookie quarterbacks, it will be much greater than a chewing gum bubble. This is potentially something I would fire Jim for writing. First graders have written more eloquent prose in string-bound books about their favorite room in the house. I like the basement because it is cold in the summer. The end. But let’s continue:

But just like Prescott has benefitted from the best offensive line in football, Wentz plays with a defense that has allowed a total of 20 points this year. He’s also not taking many chances on his throws. Wentz is averaging 6.86 yards in the air per pass thrown, according to Football Outsiders. Last week, his two passes that went longer than 20 yards in the air fell incomplete, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. Twelve of his 23 completions against Pittsburgh came at or behind the line of scrimmage.

Of course, none of this really matters, because as long as the Eagles keep winning, that Carson Wentz hype train will keep rollin’.

No argument that the Steelers’ game was Wentz’s least impressive passing effort. But the notion that he is just a game manager is completely wrong. He has thrown many perfect strikes, deep, across the field, or into a tight spot, over the first three games. Do we forget his Week 1 touchdown passes to Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor?

Do we forget his Week 2 touchdown passes to Matthews and Agholor?*

Photo credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Do we forget this 50-yard pass – on a roughing the passer penalty! – that DGB couldn’t hold onto even though it was in both hands and pressed against his body?

Yes, I know there are many plays not accurately reflected in the numbers – it’s not just unique to Carson Wentz – but he’s been incredible despite these misses. His throwing ability has been a strength, not a weakness. If anything, he’s missed some checkdown receivers because he spent too much time locking on to his number one receiver. Sometimes good things are too good to be true. Other times, they’re great. The need to shred Wentz (and Prescott) sounds more like the selfish desires of someone who hasn’t actually watched them play rather than insightful football commentary.

*Not actually touchdowns because Matthews’ and Agholor’s hands briefly reverted to their canonical stone form.

H/T to reader KPayne