Week 14: Carson Wentz and Boston Scott Will Eagles to Victory

Week 14: Carson Wentz and Boston Scott Will Eagles to Victory

Somehow, someway, the Eagles still control their own destiny.

After falling behind 17-3 at halftime, the Eagles reeled off 20 unanswered points to down New York in thrilling fashion. Takeaways:

1. Receivers

The Eagles came into the game with just three healthy wide receivers and finished with one. Alshon Jeffery left the game with a foot injury and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside was unable to finish the contest after getting hurt late. Jeffery’s injury looked serious, especially because it came without contact. That might be the last we see from the 29-year-old in Philadelphia. Greg Ward, the only receiver left, was responsible for an egregious drop in the end zone on a cross-body dime from Carson Wentz. Stepping up in the absence of the receivers was a reliable tight end, Zach Ertz. He scored the game-winning TD (his second score of the game) and finished with 91 yards on 9 grabs. The Giants couldn’t cover him, leaving him completely alone on several occasions. Third-string tight end Josh Perkins also played plenty at receiver Monday night. If that doesn’t show how bare Philadelphia is at the position, take note of the fact that 40-year-old backup QB Josh McCown was getting ready to play wideout if needed. The Eagles are going to have to do something at the depleted position if they still want a chance to do anything this season.

2. Offensive Line

The big story on the offensive line is that Lane Johnson suffered a gruesome-looking leg injury on a Carson Wentz sack and had to be carted to the locker room. If it turns out to be major (which it looks like), it may not even be safe for Carson Wentz to stand in the pocket over the last three weeks of the season. Defensive coordinators will be licking their chops if they get the opportunity to face Jason Peters and Halapoulivaati Vaitai for a full game. If Peters is up for it, the best move may be moving him to the right side and letting rookie first-rounder Andre Dillard man the left. Personally, I believe he is a better option than Peters already, and it would be difficult for Peters to be worse than Vaitai on the other side.

3. “Philly” Scott

Miles Sanders went down during the game as well, but 5’6 running back Boston Scott took the reins from there on out. He racked up 128 total yards and showed off some impressive cuts. He finished second on the team with six receptions and averaged just under six yards per rushing attempt. It was a surprising but needed performance from the little-used reserve.  If this isn’t a fluke performance, he can slide right into the role Darren Sproles was supposed to fulfill.

4. Carson Wentz

The cupboard was bare for the oft-criticized quarterback. His elite right tackle was out, nearly all of his receivers were out, his running backs were out, and yet he still found a way to pull this one out. Throwing for 325 yards and two scores with this group of “weapons” should be enough for immediate Hall of Fame enshrinement. Carson Wentz hasn’t been afforded the same excuses as Tom Brady, and is constantly expected to deliver with less help than the New England passer. Tonight, after being down 17-3 early, he did just that, and should be spared from bad-mouthing for at least the remainder of the week.

5. Cornerbacks

Ronald Darby is terrible at football. His only attribute is speed but he constantly gets roasted downtown. Like Mills last week, there are just too many times where he seems to be lost. He was the main man on Darius Slayton when the Giants rookie racked up over 150 yards in the first half alone. There’s no shot that he is with this team after this season, and I can’t wait to see his tenure end. 

Jalen Mills left the game with an elbow injury, but he wasn’t without fault either. His stellar first few weeks back from injury have been all but forgotten. His backup Rasul Douglas ended up hurt as well, and it was a surprise stop by Sidney Jones of all people that got the Eagles the ball back late in the contest. The cornerback position needs help, as it has for most of the decade. When you allow Eli Manning to turn back the clock eight years, maybe changes need to be made. Howie Roseman should look away from the lines for just a little bit.

6. The Eagles Are Tied For First Place in the Division

That’s right folks, the Eagles are tied for first place in the NFC (L)East.

The Eagles (6-7) travel to the Washington Redskins (3-10) on December 15.

-By: Micah Jimoh

Writer/Interviewer