Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, Doug Pederson pop in year two
Through the first quarter of the 2016 NFL season, didn’t we think the Philadelphia Eagles were good? They entered their Week 4 bye at 3-0 and then proceeded to lose all momentum. Since shocking the NFL world by beating the in-state rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, the Eagles have gone 2-9 to fall out of the playoff race in the NFC at a lousy 5-9.
We should have seen it coming. Philadelphia was going to get figured out with its rookie quarterback Carson Wentz and rookie head coach Doug Pederson at the helm. Wentz hit the rookie wall in November, while Pederson likes to challenge two yard gains. Then again, his receiving corps has been that bad in his first season in the City of Brotherly Love.
In all likelihood, both Pederson and Wentz will be better prepared in their second season together in year two. Wentz has at moments looked like a long-time franchise quarterback in this league. Pederson has assembled a strong coaching staff with Frank Reich at offensive coordinator and Jim Schwartz at defensive coordinator.
Most people in the NFL see the biggest progression forward from year one to year two. With a last place schedule and a better understanding of what it takes to win in the NFL, maybe the 2017 Eagles use that to their advantage en route to Super Bowl 52.