Tag: CARSON WENTZ

Eagles OC Groh on Wentz: ‘I think he’s free of mind, body and heart right now’

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Eagles QB Carson Wentz comes into the 2019 NFL season with a lot of security. In the offseason, he signed a four-year, $128 million contract extension with Philadelphia, and with Nick Foles out the picture, the 2019 Philadelphia Eagles are completely his team.

While Wentz, by his own admission, struggled as a leader in 2018. The upcoming season gives Wentz an opportunity to take back the team and put Philadelphia in position to win their second title in three years, and according to Eagles offensive coordinator Mike Groh, Wentz is practicing at a high level and leading the football team.

“I always try not to get into comparisons, whether it’s one player versus another guy or year over year, things like that. All I can tell you is this: [QB] Carson [Wentz] is operating really well. I think he’s free of mind, body, and heart right now, and he’s a leader of our team,” Groh said on Wednesday. “He’s playing at a high level for us right now. He’s embracing everything that we’re giving him, and really doing a good job each and every day coming out here, being efficient with the football, spreading the ball around. Everybody is involved, and I think everybody is having fun right now playing offense.”

The pressure is on the 26-year-old Wentz, but with everything out the way, Wentz can play free, which was how he played when he was nearly the MVP in 2017, and with the many weapons the Eagles have on the offensive side of the ball, Wentz has the potential to be sensational. if he can prove that he can stay healthy, Wentz and the Eagles could have a repeat of that 2017 season.

Avant on Foles, Wentz: ‘I think both of them are pretty equal’

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In February, the Philadelphia Eagles decided not to use the franchise tag on QB Nick Foles, which made him an unrestricted free agent. Foles would eventually sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was at that time the Eagles decided that Carson Wentz was their quarterback, and in June, the Eagles decided to commit to Wentz when they signed him to a four-year, $128 million extension.

Now, the 26-year-old Wentz will lead the Eagles for years to come, and the 30-year-old Foles will do the same in Jacksonville. However, did the Eagles make the right choice?

According to former Eagles WR Jason Avant, Philadelphia made the right decision

“I think they made the right move,” Avant recently told Paul Gant. “See, it’s nothing that has to do with play. We know that Foles can play; we know that Wentz can play. As an organization, you have to go with shelf life, and as an organization, Carson Wentz is much younger, so you choose the younger player. That’s how it is in any business. Most of the time if you’re equal or close to equal, they are going to choose the younger, cheaper option.

“I think both of them are pretty equal, so I don’t think you can wrong with that. I think it came down to youth.”

According to NFL.COM, here is how the two compare since 2017(including playoffs)

Wentz: 64.7 completion percentage, 265.4 ypg, 54:14 TD-to-INT, 102.0 passer rating, 16-8 W-L record.

Foles: 67.9 completion percentage, 257.4 ypg, 20:9 TD-to-INT, 95.4 passer rating, 10-2 W-L record.

The numbers are close. Foles had a lot of success when he got in the field for the Eagles. But in 2017, when Foles led the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl 52, Wentz was the guy that put the Eagles in position to get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and it was Wentz who was having the MVP caliber season before tearing his ACL.

The eyes tell you Wentz, but based on what Foles has done these past two seasons, I can see why some would rather keep Foles over Wentz, especially after what we saw last season when the Eagles seemed to have different energy when Foles was in the game.

However, these two guys are not equal. Wentz is better, and more importantly, he’s younger. Foles did his job by stepping in and leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory in 2017 and leading the Eagles to the playoffs in 2018, but at their best, Wentz is the better quarterback.

Listen below as Avant talks Wentz, Foles:

Avant on Eagles: ‘They don’t have a weakness on offense'(VIDEO)

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The Philadelphia Eagles are a team that many believe has the talent to make a lot of noise in 2019, especially on offense. With the additions of DeSean Jackson and Jordan Howard on offense, and now that Carson Wentz seems to be completely healthy and paid after signing a four-year, $128 million extension, things are looking up in Philly, and according to former Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant, Wentz should have a big season.

“I’m excited for him. To get a deal done early is always beneficial for the organization,” Avant recently said at the AFFL Ultimate Final. “You don’t want guys who want big contracts, complaining about the contracts, so getting it done now is good.  They have a team around him. The sky’s the limit for them. Adding Desean Jackson and Miles Sanders, and a few other guys, Jordan Howard. They don’t have a weakness on offense, so I’m looking for big numbers out of Carson Wentz.”

There is a lot of talent on this Eagles’ roster, and according to NFL analyst Gil Brandt, Philadelphia has the most talented team in football. Wentz has the money, but now it’s time for him to prove that he is worth every penny. With the talent around him, and barring injuries, he does not have any excuses in 2019.

Listen below as Avant talks AFFL(American Flag Football League), Wentz, DeSean Jackson, Nick Foles, and more:

 

Wentz discusses the bible scripture that helps him get through the tough times

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For Eagles QB Carson Wentz, the past two seasons have been challenging. In 2017, he was having an MVP caliber year before tearing his ACL late in the season, and in 2018, Wentz went down with a back injury that caused him to miss the last three games of the regular season, and the playoffs. The adversity continued for Wentz in the offseason as a report surfaced that questioned Wentz as a leader.

However, through it all, Wentz used his faith to help him through the tough times, and more specifically, he used a particular scripture from the bible.

“I have Proverbs 3:5-6 on my bicep, and it says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,'” Wentz said on Friday before his 2nd annual AO1 Foundation Charity Softball Game. “For me, that comes to life, a lot more in certain, different circumstances.

“Going through injuries the last past few years, that really hits me hard and saying, ‘This life isn’t mine, it’s borrowed. I’m just surrendering control to him, and it’s cool to have a couple others on my body but to just have those reminders for me to realize it’s not about me, it’s about living for Christ first. It’s definitely challenging, but the word just always comes to life to me at different times.”

Wentz has a lot to prove, and with the talent that he has around him, and the ability he has shown in first three years of his career, don’t be surprised if he has a big year in 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pederson on Wentz: ‘You are seeing the things that we saw a couple of years ago when he was healthy’

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The 2017 NFL season was a special one for Eagles QB Carson Wentz. In 13 games, Wentz threw for 3296 yards and 33 touchdowns. Many believe he would have been the league’s MVP in 2017 if he would have stayed healthy for the whole season. Unfortunately, in Week 14, Wentz would tear his ACL and miss the remainder of the season. Ultimately, Philly would win the Super Bowl that season with Nick Foles at the helm.

However, based on what Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has seen during OTAs, Wentz looks like the guy he was in 2017.

“Yeah, I mean, gosh, he’s strong. His lower body is strong. His arm is strong. You are seeing the things that we saw a couple of years ago when he was healthy, obviously,” Pederson said today. “He’s leading the offense, leading the team, and really doing a nice job out there. Getting on the same page with DeSean [WR DeSean Jackson] and really kind of getting that rapport going…. But, yeah, Carson, been real impressed with where Carson is.”

While Pederson is impressed Wentz, he is still going to make sure that he protects his franchise quarterback.

“We were cautious early. We just wanted to make sure he was progressing each day, and we’ve increased his load,” Pederson said. “He’s handled it well. Again, we’re always going to be a little bit guarded. With all our players, but especially him. Yeah, he’s been good.”

If Wentz is the player we saw in 2017, the league better look out because the Eagles could be making another trip to the Super Bowl.

Photos: 2nd annual AO1 Foundation Charity Softball Game

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The Carson Wentz AO1 Foundation raised $500,000 at its 2nd annual AO1 Foundation Charity Softball Game. On May 31st, Citizens Bank Park held 15,000 fans who came to the ballpark to cheer on 29 members of the Philadelphia Eagles as they took to the field for a home run derby and softball game. Richard Rodgers was the home run derby champion; and Team Offense beat Team Defense by a score of 17-16.

The funds raised will benefit the foundation’s mission to uplift individuals and communities around the world by demonstrating God’s love for His people. The foundation does this through three service ministries: the Haiti Sports Complex, the Outdoor Ministry and Thy Kingdom Crumb (TKC). At the event, it was announced that an ice cream truck was recently donated to TKC and will soon offer sweet treats to people in the Philadelphia community.

“We are so grateful to be back at Citizens Bank Park for our 2nd Annual AO1 Foundation Charity Softball Game,” said Carson Wentz, starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles and foundation founder. “The continued support from fans and community is greatly appreciated and a wonderful testament to the power of using God’s love to uplift others! It’s our goal to show people that no matter what you do, we all have an opportunity to make a real impact in our communities’ and others’ lives.”

Prior to the game, the AO1 Foundation honored three members of the community who exemplify the foundation’s mission: John Burke with Holy Ghost Prep; Buddy Osborn with the Rock Ministries of Philadelphia; and Katie Spencer who volunteers with many organizations, including Variety and Special Olympics. Recognizing others and using #AO1LeaveYourMark on social media is one way the foundation encourages everyone to do what they can to serve others and their community.

The foundation is thankful for its many supporters, sponsors and volunteers who made the event happen and the fans who came to enjoy the game!

Photos:

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Eagles’ Cre’Von LeBlanc on Wentz: ‘We one-hundred percent ride with him’

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Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz had decent numbers in 2018(3074 yards, 21 touchdowns), but he also had some struggles last season. In 11 games, he was only 5-6 as a starter. Ultimately, because of a back injury, Wentz’s season ended after Week 14. Fortunately for Philadelphia, they had Super Bowl 52 MVP Nick Foles, who was able to guide the team to the divisional round of the playoffs where they would lose to the New Orleans Saints.

After the season, things got worse for Wentz. According to a report from the PhillyVoice, some teammates questioned Wentz as a leader, while others called him ‘selfish,’ and later, Wentz himself, acknowledged that he was not a good teammate last season.

However, according to Eagles corner Cre’Von LeBlanc, the team is still behind the third-year quarterback.

“I really don’t get into stuff like that,” LeBlanc recently told Paul Gant and the Go4it podcast. “What I can say is I know that Carson Wentz, he’s a great football player; he’s a great leader on our team, and he’s a great guy, and he’s going to do everything in his power to put his best foot forward and put us in the position we need to be in, and we one-hundred percent ride with him, so that’s all I can say.”

According to Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, Wentz will be the starter next season. Wentz is a very talented football player, and if it were not for his ACL injury in 2017, Wentz probably would have been the MVP of that season.

For Wentz, 2018 was supposed to be a year of redemption, but he just not was physically able to get it done. The Eagles are still in a good position with him at the helm, and hopefully, for the team, Wentz will be a better player and a better leader in 2019.

Listen to the complete interview with Cre’Von LeBlanc below:

Wentz to host 2nd annual charity softball game at Citizens Bank Park

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Carson Wentz, starting quarterback for the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles announces the 2nd annual Carson Wentz AO1 Foundation Charity Softball Game and home run derby. The event, featuring Carson and his teammates playing softball, will be held May 31, 2019, at Citizens Bank Park. Tickets will go on sale in February 2019.

Event proceeds will benefit The Carson Wentz AO1 Foundation, which works to uplift individuals and communities around the world by demonstrating God’s love for His people. The foundation supports three initiatives: the Haiti Sports Complex, Thy Kingdom Crumb Food Truck and the AO1 Foundation’s Outdoor Program. The Sports Complex impacts over 15,000 children in Haiti per year, providing an opportunity for them to develop positive character traits and life values and be introduced to the Word of Christ. Thy Kingdom Crumb is a mobile food truck that distributes free food throughout Philadelphia to help feed people and uplift communities. The foundation also hosts a youth outdoor camp along with hunting trips each year, offering experiences that foster a genuine passion for the outdoors, while drawing people closer to God’s Word.

Prior to the start of the 2018 season, Wentz was ranked 3rd overall in NFL Top 100 players of 2018. In October 2017, he was named National Football Conference™ (NFC) Offensive Player of the Month. The Eagles are currently 4 – 4, ranked second in the NFC East.

“I’m truly amazed by the support the foundation has received from people all over the world,” said Wentz. “What we have been able to accomplish in just a year, from the food truck to the camps and the softball game, it’s just incredible. And, it’s only possible because of those who have faith in the work we are doing.”

Stephen A. Smith on Eagles: ‘I love the acquisition of Golden Tate'(VIDEO)

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The world champion Philadelphia Eagles made a splash move before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday. Philly acquired WR Golden Tate from the Detroit Lions for a 2019 third-round pick. With the move, the Eagles add a big play wide receiver to the lineup, which gives QB Carson Wentz another weapon.

While Wentz(1788 yards, 17 TDs) has played well this season, the Eagles were in need of another weapon on the offensive side of the ball. I think Philly had enough talent before the acquisition of Tate to win the NFC East, but is this move enough to put Philly up there with the Rams and Saints in the NFC? Maybe. Defensively, Philly is holding teams to 19.5 ppg, which is seventh in the league. Also, they still have Wentz, who is a top-10 quarterback, so the Eagles at 4-4 can still be a factor in the NFC.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is a big fan of this move.

Listen to what Smith had to say on ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday:

DeFilippo on Wentz: ‘He is very confident in himself but to a point where it rubs off on others in a good way’

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Vikings OC John DeFilippo, who was the QB coach in Philly for two seasons, returns to Philadelphia on Sunday as Minnesota travels to Lincoln Financial Field to battle the Eagles in a rematch of last season’s NFC title game.

Last year, Eagles QB Carson Wentz was on his way to an MVP season before he tore his ACL and LCL in Week 14 against Rams. In the 13 games he appeared in last season, Wentz played with confidence and a swagger that seem to motivate his teammates.

As the QB coach in Philadelphia(2016-17), Defilippo was a big part of the development of Wentz. Before taking the job with the Vikings, Defilippo was with Wentz for two years and helped turn the third-year player into one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL.

Today, Defilippo discussed what makes Wentz so special.

“The first thing is the amount of maturity he has for his age. Not only football maturity but maturity in general,” Defilippo said. “He is very, very confident in himself but to a point where it rubs off on others in a good way, not a bad way. The whole team just kind of felt his confidence and felt his swagger and juice and fed off that. And really just his freak athleticism to be quite honest with you. The guy is 6-5 and 240-something pounds and can run like that, throw like that, throw off balance, get out of traffic, extend plays, There are some plays you watched last year, and not a lot of guys get out of that. The last thing is just his football knowledge for a rookie. Even when he came in, I don’t want to say it was off the charts, but it was pretty close for a rookie. It was pretty good. Real good, actually.”

Wentz was great last season, and physically it appears that he is all the way back from the injury. Moving forward, the Eagles will have to do a better job of protecting Wentz(sacked six times in two games), and Wentz is going to have to do a better job of protecting himself, but if he stays healthy, expect Wentz to have another tremendous season.