By Danny Cohen and Jacob Erlbaum
Sports Editor/Layout Editor and Staff Writer
At the midpoint of the 2020 NFL Season, the Philadelphia Eagleswere far from superb. After an MVP-caliber season in 2017, franchise quarterback Carson Wentz has continuously regressed, especially in 2020. The 27-year-old quarterback out of North Dakota State has proven to be an Achilles’ heel of Philly’s team as he leads the NFL in turnovers, following the four he posted against division rival Dallas Cowboys, a team ravaged by injuries and with a bad defense by every statistical measure. For many reasons, Wentz and his teammates have been a disappointment thus far to the Birds.
Although Wentz has been blamed by many, there are other reasons behind the Eagles’ poor start to their season. Injuries to the offensive line, in particular to key players like Brandon Brooks, Andre Dillard, Lane Johnson, and Isaac Seumalu, have given Wentz limited time in the pocket. On top of that, an injury to All-Pro tight end Zach Ertz, along with promising tight end Dallas Goedert, further diminished the Birds’ offense. The Eagles are now finally beginning to regain their health, so hopefully Wentz can regain chemistry with his offensive weapons.
While Wentz has dealt with a new line-up each week due to injuries, there are no excuses for the level he has been playing at. Currently sitting at 28th in the league with a quarterback rating of 49.9, it will take a drastic turnaround if Wentz wants to lead his team deep into the playoffs. The Eagles’ schedule is as hard as it gets with match-ups against NFC favorites Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers, as well as Kyler Murray’s Arizona Cardinals. Despite this, the Eagles may not have to win these games to make the playoffs, as the NFC East is historically bad this season. The Eagles must look to earn wins within their division to further solidify their position in first place.
While this has been a very unfulfilling season for Eagles fans, there is still optimism as the team gets healthier, with the return of their full palette of offensive weapons.