How Does the Carson Wentz Injury Impact the Eagles’ Playoff Hopes?
Carson Wentz is out for the season due to a torn ACL, but Nick Foles has a chance to keep the Eagles’ playoff hopes alive.
The mood of the Philadelphia Eagles was bittersweet after their thrilling week 14 victory against the Los Angeles Rams. Scrambling on a touchdown run that would eventually be called back, Carson Wentz injured his knee and would later be diagnosed with a torn ACL. Wentz was removed from the game after throwing an outstanding touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery, the play after which he had sustained the injury. Wentz has continued to embody the spirit of this city, demonstrated the famed “Rocky Balboa toughness” that is synonymous with Philadelphia. However, the loss of Wentz wipes away the Eagles as favorites to win the NFC. With Wentz sidelined until next year, the keys to the kingdom fall to Nick Foles, a quarterback that has had moderate success at the NFL level.
In only his second year as a professional, Wentz tossed a franchise record 33 touchdowns and passed for 3,296 yards. He has shown tremendous growth as evidenced by some of the phenomenal plays he’s made in clutch situations. The City of Brother Love had high expectations with Wentz steering the ship. The loss of Wentz significantly diminishes the chance of the Eagles winning their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
The North Dakota State alumnus had put together an MVP season before his knee injury. The play of Wentz had transformed the Eagles into arguably the best and most dynamic offense in the league. The “Wentz Wagon” continued to roll through opponents all season by way of controlling the clock and converting an astounding amount of third-down opportunities. Wentz maintained a league lead in multiple third-down related categories including a quarterback rating of 123.7. His poise in crucial third-down situations have opened the eyes of many and it feels like Wentz was only scratching the surface of his potential.
In addition to his clutch factor, Wentz’s bread and butter was the improvement in his mobility and pocket awareness. Although his ability to escape pressure and extend the play eventually came back to bite him as he was injured on a run upfield. This injury will force Wentz to focus more on protecting his body and being more cerebral from the pocket. In order to remain successful at this level, he needs to evolve, especially if this knee injury goes on to compromise his mobility.
Fans may worry about Wentz’s future when you consider the meteoric rise and fall of Robert Griffin III. RG3 was tremendous as a rookie, making an immediate impact, but knee injuries suffered towards the end of his rookie campaign essentially derailed his career. Obviously, no two injuries are exactly the same, but Wentz has always been known for his unbreakable work ethic which should translate well in the rehabilitation process. Additionally, Wentz has the benefit of having a larger frame than RG3, standing three inches taller and 19 pounds heavier. RG3 was rushed back into action before he was fully healthy and the Eagles would wise to learn from the Redskins’ past mistakes and take their time easing their superstar signal caller back into action.
The Eagles will now call on Nick Foles to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. Foles performed admirably in Week 15, completing 24 of 38 passes for 237 yards and four touchdowns. Philadelphia defeated the New York Giants by a score of 34–29. The victory in Week 15 clinched a first-round bye for the Eagles, but their work is not done if they want to seal home-field advantage for the playoffs.
They may not be as dynamic as they are with Wentz under center, but the Eagles are still a force to be reckoned with even with Foles at the wheel. Philly will bank on Foles returning to his 2013 form where he tossed 27 touchdown passes and only two interceptions. Foles very well may be in a better position to succeed with Doug Peterson calling the shots as opposed to Chip Kelly.
As they ease Foles into action, look for the Eagles to feature a more balanced attack, showcasing their three-headed monster at running back: Jay Ajayi, LeGarrette Blount, and Corey Clement. Zach Ertz has continued to be a productive target but will have to make the extra effort to pick up his fallen quarterback. With the playoffs approaching, now more than ever is the time for this team to play the lights out and keep their magical run going.
