It’s clear Carson Wentz hasn’t looked very good through two games, and it’s also clear his problems are wide-ranging.
The Philadelphia Eagles are 0-2, and the most highlighted shortcoming has been the play of quarterback Carson Wentz. He is completing less than 59 percent his passes, with two touchdowns and four interceptions thus far. He wasn’t sacked at all in Week 2 by the Los Angeles Rams, but Washington sacked him eight times in Week 1 as the Eagles’ offensive line was injury-riddled.
From the play of the offensive line to a supporting cast that seems to deal with an injury absence every week, and rookie wide receiver Jalen Reagor will now be out for awhile, Wentz is probably guilty of trying to do too much. From this corner, with the injuries he has had following being a little overrated heading into the 2016 draft, it’s worth wondering how good he really is.
Head coach Doug Pederson has spent the past week defending his quarterback. Wentz is making a lot of poor decisions, and a closer looks shows how he seems to not be as crisp mechanically.
Carson Wentz has been markedly more inaccurate lately
With the latter point in mind, this look at the Eagles’ quarterback from Pro Football Focus’ Seth Galina isn’t all that surprising.
Galina notes the small sample (five games compared to 53 before it), but Wentz’s uncatchable target rate (according to PFF) has risen nearly eight percent since Week 14 of last season. A lot was made of him having Greg Ward and JJ Arcega-Whiteside as his top two wide receivers late in 2019, but if he’s producing scattershot throws a depleted supporting cast looks a little less important or concerning.
This isn’t to necessarily say Wentz is hiding an injury, though it’s possible, and two games into a season without typical ramp-up has to be noted everywhere. But if Wentz doesn’t look better in a prime get-right opportunity against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, outside calls for his benching will start.