5 reasons Carson Wentz is for real
By Adam Jacobs
4 – His arm strength and accuracy
Carson Wentz’s arm is one of the reasons many believe he is for real. In his first three starts he has shown incredible accuracy and power on his throws. Through three games he’s thrown five touchdowns and zero interceptions, and that’s good for a seasoned vet not just a rookie. He’s averaging a 64.7% completion percentage and 256 yards per game. These numbers jump off the page and don’t resemble any rookie many have ever seen in this league before.
A big part of Wentz’s game is his accurate balls, placed perfectly to increase his receivers’ YAC (Yards After Catch). Coach Doug Pederson employs his own version of the west coast offense and this style of offense requires a quarterback with quick decision-making and an accurate arm. His early success has proven that the game plan implemented by coach Pederson fits the rookie’s style perfectly.
In the NFL, offensive style and scheme really determine a quarterback’s success. For example, the Washington Redskins had a lot of success in 2012 by changing their scheme to fit RG3. Most quarterbacks couldn’t thrive in a read-option based system, just like most quarterbacks aren’t accurate enough to run the west coast offense. Wentz has the necessary skills to accurately distribute the ball in Doug Pederson’s west coast scheme.
If Wentz’s 73-yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles in the win over the Steelers didn’t display his soft touch on the ball, then I don’t know what will. Wentz avoided a sack by Steeler Stephon Tuitt, escaped to his right, drawing in defenders just enough to hit Sproles in stride for a long scoring scamper. His outstanding performance this Sunday, especially with everything he displayed on that play alone, proved to me that he is for real and opened some eyes around the NFL.