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He's back: Eagles QB Carson Wentz embraces health, shows off 2017 form in win over Redskins
Josh Friedman
NFL writer
Carson Wentz is finally "feeling free."
As the Eagle quarterback put together a masterpiece of a second half to lead the Birds to a come-from-behind, 32-27 triumph over the Redskins on Sunday afternoon, the Philly faithful started having flashbacks to 2017.
In case you forgot, that's the season Wentz, as a second-year pro, threw for 3,296 yards and 33 touchdowns in 13 games before tearing his left ACL.
He watched Patriots quarterback Tom Brady win a Most Valuable Player award many pegged Wentz for (he finished third despite the injury) and his teammate Nick Foles guide the Birds to their first Lombardi Trophy.
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Wentz didn't look like the same player last season. Before a stress fracture in his back knocked him out after Week 13, Wentz threw for 3,074 yards and 21 TDs in 11 games. Good numbers, not MVP ones.
And while he stated repeatedly throughout the campaign his leg felt good, he admitted in February that he wasn't "quite there" with his mobility or "being explosive," according to NBC Sports
Now he is.
"I felt great physically and mentally," Wentz said after completing 28-of-39 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns Sunday.
He credited the game plan for keeping his head right. As far as the physical part, the knee brace is gone, and so is the reminder of what he endured.
"I was feeling free being able to get rid of the knee brace and just go play ball," he said. "It's been a blessing, and I'm thankful for the way that recovery went."
His teammates noticed how comfortable he was too.
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"It looked like he was playing and wasn't thinking about anything," right tackle Lane Johnson said. "That's really it. There weren't any injuries in the back of his mind. As far as weapons, we have those and if you buy (Wentz) a little time he'll make big-time plays. He had a good day for us."
"He did all that without playing a snap in the preseason," added running back Darren Sproles. "… That's special."
What made it more special was his work under duress.
The Eagles were 11-of-17 on third down. Wentz was 12-of-13 passing on those plays, gaining six firsts and throwing for all three of his touchdowns.
On his 5-yard score to Alshon Jeffery, he was able to deftly move in the pocket and fire a tight pass into the end zone.
During the Birds' 19-play, 74-yard field goal drive that iced the game in the fourth quarter, he had two impressive throws on the move to extend the march – one to Zach Ertz and the other to Jeffery.
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"We all knew he was going to ball out," guard Brandon Brooks said.
The Eagles had seen it all preseason, even if the fans didn't get the chance.
"I think he came out and shut everybody up as far as the way he played," Brooks said.
Actually, it did the opposite.
It's only Week 1, but the Wentz-for-MVP train has already pulled out of the station for several Eagles fans.
Considering how his last two seasons have ended, it might be best to temper those expectations and just enjoy the ride.
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Josh Friedman has produced award-winning South Jersey sports coverage for the Courier Post and The Daily Journal for more than a decade. If you have or know of an interesting story to tell, reach out on Twitter at @JFriedman57 or via email at jfriedman2@gannettnj.com. You can also contact him at 856-486-2431. Help support local journalism with a Courier Post subscription.