He will do more than make his first start for the Philadelphia Eagles when Jillian Hurts takes on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. It would do more than start a horribly postponed crime. The Oklahoma and Alabama second-rounder could also go a long way in determining the future of Carson Wentz in Philadelphia.
While Wentz is being replaced as a starter in favor of Hurtz by head coach Doug Pederson this week, there are many strong voices in the organization who believe Wentz could still be a very good quarterback in the NFL. They’ve invested heavily in it – two big trades, a No. 2 pick, four years, an extension of 128 8,128 million – and don’t think it’s almost a starter.
Those in the building believe that Carson just needs a few breaths, a reboot, and a little more time than he was. They expect Wentz to return to the forefront. They believe it’s okay.
But if Hurt impresses one start, he will get another. Then another. If it affects all four, it becomes complicated.
Pederson is in the hot seat despite winning the Super Bowl three years ago. If the Hurts lead the team to a stronger finish, it could stabilize Pederson’s case while potentially strengthening Hurts ’case as a starter in the future.
It is too early to speculate about the 2021 season, given the circumstances in which Wentz will be available in the trade – for example, it is okay to come to the camp to compete for a previous franchise starter job.
And despite its performance this year, based on conversations with many NFL decision-makers, Wentz will have more than enough suitors to build a strong trade market. After talking to many GMs, no one believed Wentz was done as a starter.
They see the reducing factors – the badly injured offensive line and the up-down receiver group, sinking confidence – for some reason Ventz has gone backwards.
And the rest of his salary – four years, .498.4 million – will be below average for a legitimate NFL starter. Very merchant. If a team or teams believe Wentz can start, money is not an issue.
For the Eagles, the trade only lightens the already heavy burden from his contract. Sources say they will not just try to snatch the salary, as they have created a budget for it.
If Pederson is replaced, perhaps a new coach can find the old Carson. There is still a lot to sort out after the season.
Speaking of hurts, he crawls into the spotlight. What should we expect? For one, quarterback guru Quincy Avery said he would be more prepared this week to get starter rips.
“They’ll be able to open the playbook with more elaborate plays, more play action and a way that allows him to use his hands and feet,” said Avery, who is one of the top QB trainers. Worked with Hurt during the pre-draft process. “This week, it’s going to be tough because of the defense they play. But you’ll see someone who can prove he’s an NFL-level QB.”
Avery said Hurts has improved more than any other prospect he has from the beginning to the end of the draft process. J. N.F.L. Is running in
“He was more fluid, more confident he was throwing a football throw, running the ball, throwing the rhythm,” Avery continued. “And of course, the plays are expanding. It does everything you need in the quarterback in 2020.”
