Nick Piccone
Carson Wentz has been getting criticized more and more as the Eagles’ season moves on, and it’s almost predictable. The Eagles aren’t winning games, and Wentz’s flaws – even as a rookie – are magnified. You can head to the Philly Influencer Facebook page just to see our fantasy football writer, Tony Cutillo, create discussions about Wentz and ask if he’s above any criticism. Cutillo isn’t afraid to criticize Wentz, and I’m sure he’s not alone.
But let’s hold the phone here. Hold. The. Phone. Wentz has literal slop to work with in the passing game, can’t run like Michael Vick, and has to deal with some of the dumbest penalties that have negated big gains and touchdowns throughout the season. He’s also a rookie and has given the Eagles a chance to tie or win every game this season.
Given the Eagles’ schedule, that’s damn impressive. Wentz will have his doubters even as a rookie, because that’s how sports works. It’s understandable to a degree. It doesn’t matter to most that he’s a rookie. But it should. Because he looks impressive as hell even in losing fashion.
Zach Gelb from FOX Sports 920 The Jersey had Joe Theismann on his show on Monday and he defended Wentz from the recent criticism he’s been getting. After all, he just played a game in Seattle. Here’s what Theismann had to say about Wentz.
“Who did they play yesterday? … Let me just say this – anybody who criticizes a quarterback going into Seattle, especially with Russell [Wilson] getting healthier, anybody that criticizes somebody going into Seattle has no earthly idea what they’re talking about when it comes to playing the game of football. Single toughest place to play, especially now. They’re finding themselves. Their secondary is basically in place. Their defensive line is in place. I know the Ravens and other teams have rankings above them, but you go into Seattle, that’s a handful to handle. So, for somebody to say, “Well, Carson’s this and Carson’s that,” I think the young man has done extremely well and he played in a really tough place. And now next time, if he ever ventures that way again, it’ll be a little bit easier to understand the magnitude of what it’s like to play in Seattle.”
He’s not wrong. Wentz is the least player that any Eagles fan should be worried about. Sure, call him out when he makes dumb mistakes. But also note that if he didn’t have guys around him that have constantly failed him, maybe he wouldn’t try to do too much and avoid those dumb mistakes. Maybe. Just maybe.
You can listen to the entire interview with Theismann below.