Fansided

5 reasons Carson Wentz’s Week 1 performance wasn’t a fluke

By John Buhler

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) audibles at the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) audibles at the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz prior to action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz prior to action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Wentz realizes Jim Schwartz’s defense can be relied on

For Philadelphia to win a respectable amount of games in 2016, Wentz has to lean on defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s defense. Philadelphia still very much a work in progress offensively, but Schwartz can certainly devise a game plan to win games on defense.

Philadelphia held Cleveland to only 288 yards of total offense in Week 1. That total was good enough to be fifth in the NFL in the opening week. Only 168 of the Browns’ offensive yards came through the air. Philadelphia does have to get better at stopping the run, as Cleveland rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown.

How does Schwartz’s defense help Wentz going forwar? It takes the pressure of the rookie starting quarterback for the Eagles. Schwartz stems from the Jeff Fisher coaching tree of defense. He was Fisher’s long time defensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans before becoming the Detroit Lions head coach in 2009.

The two best things a franchise can give a rookie quarterback are a strong running game or a committed defense. Philadelphia might struggle to run the football. However, Wentz just  has to get the Eagles into the end zone three times a game for Philadelphia to have a fair chance at winning. Schwartz’s defense will do the rest of the heavy lifting.

Next: 2. Doug Pederson know what he's doing with quarterbacks

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