Carson Wentz looks to avoid the sophomore slump
The 2016-17 season was a roller coaster ride for the Philadelphia Eagles’ franchise quarterback Carson Wentz. In his rookie season, Wentz threw for 3,782 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. That’s an average season for a rookie quarterback in the NFL but with what Wentz was working with, it was pretty good.
Wentz got out to a stellar start leading the Eagles’ to a 3-0 record to start the season off. Unfortunately for the Eagles’ and their rookie quarterback, offensive tackle Lane Johnson was suspended for 10 games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Once that happened, the Eagles fell back down to earth along with Wentz. After starting 3-0, the Eagles managed to lose 9 of their last 13 games finishing with a 7-9 record.
Offseason Acquisitions
This offseason the Eagles’ knew it was important to get Wentz some weapons and wide receivers that he could fully depend on. The Eagles were able to land the top free agent wide receiver in Alshon Jeffery along with a deep threat in Torrey Smith. With the additions of Jeffery and Smith, Eagles’ wide receiver Jordan Matthews will now be able to slide into his role, which is a number 2 receiver at best.
“Some people think Torrey has lost a step. I’ve seen it the past two weeks. He can fly.” – Carson Wentz
In the 2017 NFL Draft the Eagles’ were able to land Mack Hollins, wide receiver from North Carolina and also Shelton Gibson, wide receiver from West Virginia. Hollins accounted for 1,667 yards and 20 touchdowns while at North Carolina. Hollins is known as a deep threat that can stretch the field. Gibson had over 1,850 yards receiving while finding the end zone 17 times while at West Virginia.
The one thing that the Eagles did not address was the running back position. Even though they drafted Donnel Pumphrey, he is not a 3 down back that can carry the team. The Eagles’ look to go into the 2017-18 season using the running back by committee method.
2016 Advantages for Wentz
- Coming from a pro style offense in college
- Having former Quarterbacks as coaches
2016 Disadvantages for Wentz
- Only 8 days to prepare for the startingrole at QB
- Lack of talent surrounding Wentz
- Receivers top 5 in dropped passes in the NFL
- Suspension of LT Lane Johnson
- Lack of consistent run game
2017 Advantages for Wentz
- Better surrounding talent (WR)
- Having former Quarterbacks as coaches
- Having a full offseason to prepare
- Fully understands and knows the playbook
- Offensive line is fully intact
2017 Disadvantages for Wentz
- Not having a 3-down Running Back
- Lack of Cornerback help on Defense (Which might make him have to throw and score more)
Bottom Line
Carson Wentz can flat out play. There is no denying that and if you think otherwise, you don’t know football. He has the arm, accuracy, can make all the throws and most importantly he’s smart. The only thing Wentz needs to work on is when the pocket breaks down, him panicking and throwing off his back foot, even though that rarely happens.
Despite not fully addressing the running back position, the Eagles’ have surrounded Wentz with weapons that were not there last season. Jeffery is considered to be a top wide receiver in the league if he can stay healthy. Smith still has the speed to take the top off of a defense and open up the field for guys like Matthews and Jeffery.
They say that the sophomore slump is expected in most quarterbacks. Even the elite quarterbacks have gone through this slump. It’s hard to believe that Wentz will be a victim of this. He is surrounded by talent that he wasn’t blessed with last season. Wentz will have a full off season under his belt compared to only having 8 days to prepare to start against the Cleveland Browns. Wentz is set up to have a breakout season in only his second season. Will he avoid the sophomore slump? I believe he does.
