Wentz Update

Carson Wentz missed the opener so the next question is whether he’ll be ready for Week 2. Sounds like he might sit once more.

There is much more optimism inside Eagles organization that Carson Wentz's return is coming sooner than later. Not ruled out this week but week 3 sounds more realistic. His GPS data has hit a vital threshold – ability to protect himself. Only a setback would cool optimism.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 9, 2018

GPS data? That only comes from the coach or GM. I guess someone on the Sport Science staff could leak the info, but they would be risking their job. Most likely this is Doug or Howie leaking the info to control the narrative and also to punish Ian Rapoport, the insider for the NFL Network. Rapoport has broken a couple of stories about Wentz’s comeback and Pederson has not been happy about those. No better way to get at him than to leak a story to an insider from ESPN.

I am completely fine with sitting Wentz for another week. The goal is to have him on the field in December and January. If that means sitting another game, or even two, so be it.

The Eagles offense struggled mightily in the opener so it would be tempting to cut corners to get him back on the field, but that would be dumb. The Eagles are good enough to win without Wentz, even if some of the games are less than picturesque. A win is a win.

*****

One of the things that stood out in the win over Atlanta was the play of the D-line. Those guys were dominant, especially in the 2nd half.

I love the way Jim Schwartz rotates players in and out. A lot of coaches talk about that, but don’t do it nearly enough. Schwartz genuinely believes in a rotation and isn’t afraid to put anyone out there. Rookie Bruce Hector played in the game. It was only seven snaps, but that helped keep other players fresh.

Chris Long was outstanding in the game. It felt like he started slow last year, but Long looks ready to roll. He played 39 snaps, had 1.5 sacks, a FF and tied for the team lead with 4 QB hits. Long is perfect for the Schwartz defense and the Eagles are lucky to have him.

The DL did a great job of power rushing, especially late. They just collapsed the pocket around Matt Ryan. There is nothing more infuriating than watching a DE fly upfield and get behind the QB. That doesn’t do you any good. The Eagles did a great job of attacking blockers and driving them backward. That didn’t always lead to a sack, but it pressured Ryan and some of his throws were terrible.

Huge cap tip to the Eagles pass rush. Week 1, hot/humid, defending 47 Matt Ryan drop backs. Still had the juice to rush the passer this hard and this many times in the final minute of the game to seal it. Massively impressive. pic.twitter.com/M8pPLlexWb

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 7, 2018

*****

Some people thought Corey Clement might get a lot of touches this year. After the opener, sure doesn’t feel that way.

Pederson said that he has to watch how much he uses Clement on offense because he is so important on STs.

For whatever reason, things weren’t working for Clement in the opener. He finished 5-26, but 21 of those yards came on one run. I was surprised he wasn’t used more in the pass game. I’m sure that will change in the coming weeks.

*****

Wild day of football.

Dallas lost and didn’t look good in doing so.

Finished #Cowboys #Panthers. Dallas O-Line got its butt kicked, rookie LG Connor Williams especially. But RT La'el Collins was also a liability & Tyron Smith had multiple penalties. Not a top-10 OL anymore.

— Evan Silva (@evansilva) September 10, 2018

No way around it. Sean Lee doesn't look like Sean Lee. He had that play dead in the backfield and it went for 14 #cowboyswire

— David Helman (@HelmanDC) September 9, 2018

The Giants played the Jags tough, but Pat Shurmur wasn’t nearly aggressive enough.

The Skins dominated Sam Bradford and the Cardinals.

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