What the Eagles’ hire of Nick Sirianni means for Carson Wentz

The Philadelphia Eagles have hired Nick Sirianni, but the real story will be on Carson Wentz. 

Nick Sirianni might not be a name the average NFL fan knows, but it will be one he’ll have to learn quick. After three years with the Indianapolis Colts, the 39-year-old offensive coordinator will be getting his chance.

The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to hire Sirianni as their next head coach according to multiple reports.

Sirianni’s workload speaks for itself. He’s helped plenty of receivers become standouts stars. Both Philip Rivers and Andrew Luck put up career numbers under his direction. The Colts’ offense in three seasons has also been in the top half both in rushing and passing.

It’s all noteworthy, but the main source of concern for general manager Howie Roseman and owner Jeff Lurie is the fixing of franchise quarterback Carson Wentz. It’s likely why Sirianni will be headed to the Linc over names like Josh McDaniels and Kellen Moore.

Wentz and Sirianni have a common bond that will link them together in Frank Reich. The Colts’ head coach became an overnight sensation after helping the No.2 pick become an MVP-caliber quarterback in 2017. Since he departed for Lucas Oil, Wentz has never been the same.

It was clear when the Eagles fired Doug Pederson that they would do whatever for Wentz. Instead of shipping him off to Indianapolis, they’ll bring Indianapolis to him.

Sirianni must fix Carson Wentz and the Eagles’ offense

Even if Sirianni wants to start fresh with his own quarterback, the initial plan will be work with Wentz long-term. Quarterback whispering is an art form that only a seldom few achieve.

Looking back at Sirianni’s history, the Colts’ offense would gave stumbled without him. Luck was coming off multiple surgeries and barely could throw the ball. One year with Sirianni led to a career-best 67.3 completion rating and 39 touchdowns.

In his first season with then-San Diego, Rivers was coming off a down season, 3,600 yards with 26 touchdowns and a passer rating just above 88 percent. In five years with Sirianni, the potential Hall of Fame gunslinger never threw for less than 4,200 yards on the year and completed at least 61 percent of his passes.

Both Los Angeles and Indianapolis also only had two seasons under six wins with Sirianni on the staff.

Wentz doesn’t need just a mechanics update, but he needs a confidence boost. He’s coming off a season where he threw a career-low in touchdowns (16) and total yards (2,620) and yards per game (218.3) while throwing career-highs in interceptions (15) and taking a high in sacks (50). He also was benched in favor of second-round pick Jalen Hurts.

Sirianni’s fixed two popular names before, can he do it again?

Philadelphia doesn’t have to rely just on Wentz. Much like in Indianapolis, Sirianni can have play designs for Hurts similar to that of Jacoby Brissett. The storyline will be on Wentz and if he can return to some form of his Pro Bowl self.

The Eagles have to make it work with Wentz, so bringing back that 2017 magic will be essential. Sirianni’s magic with passive-aggressive pocket-passers is well-documented in the past.

No, Sirianni wasn’t hired just to fix the quarterback, but the city and the organization will owe him a debt if he can be the missing piece to Wentzmaina for years to come.