Carson Wentz Using Legs More and More as Game Slows Down for Him

Carson Wentz was going to be sacked. No question about it. 

On 1st-and-10 in the fourth quarter on Thursday night, he was being chased by Johnathan Hankins and Olivier Vernon. It should have been at least a nine-yard loss. 

It wasn't. 

Wentz somehow did a spin move, ducked under the arms of Hankins and scrambled forward for a gain of 11 yards. For a team with a noted magician in Jon Dorenbos, this was the most impressive magic trick of the season. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Complete coverage of the Philadelphia Eagles and their NFL rivals from NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Why Jeff Lurie has no problem with Jalen Hurts' stoic demeanor 

A look at the 11 Eagles free agents who haven't found jobs yet

The Giants ended up with nine quarterback hurries and three quarterback hits on Thursday night, but no sacks. It was just the third time all season Wentz wasn't sacked in a game - and in large part, he had himself to thank. 

Throughout the year, he's been able to avoid pressure and Houdini his way out of tight spaces more and more often. 

"I think what you're seeing with Carson as the season has gone on, he's really sort of let the game unfold," head coach Doug Pederson said on Friday, the day after the 24-19 win. "Things are beginning to slow down for him. What I mean by that is being able to use his legs, seeing the field a little bit differently, checking the ball down, not hanging onto the ball. That's the maturity of your quarterback, a young quarterback. 

"Last night, very encouraged to see him use his legs, pick up some valuable yards that kept some drives alive. And these are all things that you talk about. Some quarterbacks can do it. Obviously he's very athletic and can move, and he's strong and can break some tackles. These are things going forward now that we can utilize, utilize this strength of his. It's just a big part of your offense whenever your quarterback can run and make plays that way."

Wentz's ability to avoid rushers doesn't always work out. Early in the second quarter, Wentz was able to avoid rushers for nearly 10 seconds while waiting for his receivers to get open. 

Finally, Wentz unloaded a pass downfield intended for rookie Bryce Treggs, but it was picked off by veteran corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. 

Pederson chalked up the play to a learning experience for both rookies. 

"You never like to throw late deep, but at the same time, Bryce was open," Pederson said. "Carson did everything he could to avoid the rush and the sack, and he spun out of it. As a receiver you are always taught to come back towards the ball and things of that nature. But DRC, again, he just did a nice job. He kept his momentum coming. Great two young players on our behalf, things that they can learn from, and down the road, get better from and we'll make a few of those."

While this specific play didn't work for the Eagles, off-schedule plays are a big part of Wentz's repertoire. In fact, he's been close to hitting them all year. 

And it's something he takes pride in. 

"It's huge," Wentz said in September. "I always tell those guys they're never dead on any of their routes." 

As Wentz becomes more and more comfortable using his elusiveness, there will be even more opportunities in years to come. 

Copyright CSNPhily
Contact Us