Wentz still trying to supply right spark

PHILADELPHIA >> The most publicly accepted offseason theory about the Eagles was that, whatever their problems, they would vanish with the return from injury of Carson Wentz. Well … maybe not. In Wentz’s third start since recovering from 2017 season-ending knee surgery Sunday, the Eagles continued to struggle to score in a 23-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Entering the game, the Birds were one of eight NFL teams to have scored 82 or fewer points through four weeks. Sunday, they settled for two touchdowns, including one too late to much matter, and added two field goals and a two-point conversion.

And wasn’t it just a year ago when the Birds were scoring no fewer than 31 points in any game in a midseason, fivegame winning streak and when Wentz was building an MVP candidacy?

“Personally, I feel fine,” Wentz said. “Obviously, we kind of have some ebbs and flows as an offense. We got off to a slow start, then it seemed like we got some momentum and then hurt ourselves again.”

Then, Wentz spoke a truth that Eagles fans had feared: The elements of the season were more reminiscent of that 7-9, 2016 effort than the championship affair that followed.

“I kind of feel like that’s where we were two years ago,” Wentz said. “We were that young team making these mistakes and kind of having those ebbs and flows. Last year you didn’t see a lot of that.”

Wentz was more than presentable Sunday, completing 24 of 35 passes for 311 yards and the two touchdowns. But he was sacked three times and lost a fumble (which had all the elements of an interception) that Linval Joseph returned 64 yards for a touchdown.

In his three starts, including two losses, Wentz has been sacked 12 times. That doesn’t prove that he has lost any mobility after the complicated knee surgery. But it throws it into the discussion.

“It’s just the nature of the game, and unfortunate sacks, and little things here and there,” he said. “We have to keep cleaning it up. The same thing goes for the last couple of weeks. It’s not one guy’s fault. It’s not just the line, the backs, me. It’s everything. We have to clean it up though.”

Though it is too early to make the declaration, and while there are limitless factors that go into any play call, it was notable that the 6-foot-5 Wentz was not trusted to attempt a quarterback sneak on thirdand-one late in the first quarter. Instead, Josh Adams carried, lost a yard, and the Eagles punted.

Are the concessions being made to Wentz’s repaired knee?

“We saw that play on film and thought it would be a good one,” Wentz said. “We thought we could not just get a couple feet, but that we could get a big play out of it. Their defensive end made a great play.”

Wentz often was evasive under a rush, as he was last season, escaping and making helpful plays. And, technically, he did not throw an interception.

“We just continue to talk to him and make sure he is protecting his body,” Doug Pederson said. “He did a nice job of getting down a couple of times, too. He’s aggressive, and that’s what I love about him. He’s aggressive. He can spin out. He’s strong and he does some great things back there in the pocket. And then he can do some great things extending plays.”

Wentz has done that in the past. And it’s early enough for him to do enough to make a difference this season. But three games and two losses in, it has yet to happen.

“Frustrated, yes,” Wentz said. “We have veteran guys on this team that have been through it all and know how to win.

“I think we are going to get this thing going the right way.”