The Carson Wentz era is off to a very good start in Philadelphia.
The Eagles are 2-0 after Monday night’s 29-14 win in Chicago and Wentz’s play has helped them to both victories. Wentz was 21-of-34 for 190 yards and a touchdown (he might have had another one if Jordan Matthews caught a pass near the end zone with seconds to play in the first half) against the Bears and didn’t turn the ball over for the second straight week, something coach Doug Pederson noted when discussing the maturity that Wentz has shown in the first weeks of his career.
“I thought he played well,” Pederson said. “Obviously, well enough to win. Again, he took care of the football, stood in there and made some nice, tough throws. Was it perfect? By no means was it perfect. At the same time, he’s seeing things really well. He’s commanding the huddle and the dialogue along the sideline with players and coaches with him is something that a nine, 10-year vet would do. It’s just shown his maturity and the ability that he has to play quarterback.”
There are areas where the Eagles want to see Wentz show a bit more veteran-like savvy, notably getting out of bounds or throwing a ball away rather than take an unnecessary hit. Pederson said that the Eagles “just need him to protect himself” and it’s easy to understand why the team wouldn’t want anything to interrupt what’s been a successful transition to the big leagues thus far.