By: Kylan W. Watson
Yesterday, in his first Monday Night Football game, Carson Wentz led the Eagles to a victory over the Chicago Bears. Wentz proved the spotlight was not too big for him as he displayed expert control and mastery of the offense and the Eagles defense had a big showing against the Bears as well.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz had a great day against the Bears defense, despite enduring big hits and getting sacked a few times. Wentz was able to complete 21 out of 34 passes for 190 yards and complete one touchdown pass. Wentz should have had at least two touchdown passes but key drops by receivers hindered that effort. On two different occasions Wentz threw two beautiful passes and both times the receivers dropped the ball.
Eagles coached Doug Pederson once again gave Wentz full control in a more free flowing Eagles offense. Wentz was able to audible out of plays when he saw the scheme the defense was running. On a couple of occasions Wentz used his feet to escape trouble and help the Eagles get a couple of key first downs to keep the drive alive. Wentz also stood in the pocket and took a few gruesome hits but still completed the pass. Wentz is definitely the quarterback of the future the Eagles have been looking for since trading away Donovan McNabb. Wentz has shown wisdom beyond his years being able to read defenses and be able to stay within himself and not turn the ball over. Through two games the Eagles have not committed a turnover yet.
Wentz became the fifth quarterback from Division 1-AA school to start a Monday Night Football game the other four being Doug Williams, Phil Simms, Steve McNair, and Joe Flacco. Out of all of these 1-AA quarterbacks; Williams, Simms, and Flacco have won a super bowl, and McNair went to one and came within a yard of winning one. Eagles fans are hoping that Wentz can help the Eagles to a super bowl in the future and lead the Eagles to a championship.
Wentz was also helped out by a more improved and more aggressive Eagles defense. The defense harassed Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler was sacked three times by the Eagles defense. Cutler also threw an interception and fumbled the ball. The Eagles defense has only surrendered 24 points so far this season. The Eagles defense is flourishing under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who has brought the wide nine style of defense back. The Eagles are blitzing a lot more under Schwartz and are also using zone coverages. This has helped the secondary give up less big plays and has put the defensive line in better position to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable.
The Eagles now have a big match-up with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, September 25th 2016 at 4:25 pm at Lincoln Financial Field. This will be the first big test for the defense against a high powered offense led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Antonio Brown. Wentz and the Eagles will have to be ready for the battle of Pennsylvania on Sunday afternoon.
