Wentz has been at his best in urgent moments

PHILADELPHIA » Why, Eagles fans like to debate, can’t Carson Wentz play like he does in fourth quarters for the entire game?

Wentz’s short answer is that the final frame is different. The Eagles tend to take more risks and work crazy- fast down the homestretch because they’re playing catchup. Wentz enjoys the chaos in fourth quarters. The urgency brings out the best in the veteran of five seasons, who prides himself on his ability to improvise.

“It’s a big part of what I do, and what we do as a team,” Wentz said Wednesday. “Maybe twominute brings that about more in certain situations. I’m not sure. But we’re always talking about it. We’re always talking about being off schedule, guys getting open and creating plays downfield. I’ve said it time and again, there are a lot of big plays to be had in those moments. You’re going to miss some opportunities. But we’re always talking about walking that fine line of extending plays and pushing it against throwing it away and taking sacks.”

Late in the game, behind on the scoreboard, try to extend the play. In close games, play it closer to the vest.

“And sometimes it’s the course of the game,” Wentz said. “You start to figure out the defense. You make in- game adjustments and start playing quicker because you’ve seen the defense now for three quarters. You’re able to read and react and make adjustments and play faster. It’s a combination of a lot of things.”

Wentz turned his season around in the win over the 49ers, the first of the season for the Eagles. Though linebacker Alex Singleton’s

pick- six was the difference in that contest, it was Wentz’s first game without multiple turnovers. He played solid fourth quarters in back- to- back weeks to get the attention of the Steelers and the Ravens, who prevailed.

Wentz guided the Eagles on back- to- back touchdown drives late in the fourth quarter to defeat the Giants, 22- 21, last Thursday. Giants tight end Evan Engram dropped a deep pass that could have sealed the decision between those Eagles scores. The Eagles’ QB is 3- 4 lifetime versus the Cowboys, who the Eagles entertain Sunday night, but has completed 68.2 percent of his attempts for 1,713 yards with 12 touchdowns, two interceptions and a 99.4 passer rating.

That’s Wentz’s highest rating against all divisional opponents and the second- most TDs he’s thrown against an East team, having gashed Washington with 17 TDs.

Wentz and his teammates have a bounce in their step, a response to the long line of players returning to practice the past couple weeks.

Left tackle Jason Peters, wide receiver Jalen Reagor and tight end Dallas Goedert all were geared- up Wednesday and getting reacclimated to the duties that were scrapped when they wound up on injured reserve.

The presence of Peters, coming off a toe injury, was timely in that left tackle Jordan Mailata was sub- standard in the win over the Giants. Wentz let out a deep sigh as he smiled when asked who he’d rather have playing left tackle, Peters or Mailata?

“Well, I don’t make the decisions at the end of the day but I know that Jason Peters has been doing this for a long time,” Wentz said. “He’s been rock solid every time he’s in there and he’s going to be, in

my opinion, a future Hall of Famer. One of the best to do it. I’ve been very thoroughly impressed with Mailata and all these guys up front who have had to fill in and step in.

“But as soon as JP is back and healthy I’m sure he’ll be ready to go. And I’ll have confidence in whoever’s out there.”

Look for JP to take on the Cowboys.

• • • The Eagles still released a lengthy list of players who didn’t practice Wednesday. The group was composed of

offensive linemen Lane Johnson ( knee/ ankle) and Jack Driscoll ( ankle), cornerback Craig James ( hamstring), wide receiver Alshon Jeffery ( calf) and running back Miles Sanders ( knee).

Defensive end Gennard Avery ( elbow), defensive tackle Malik Jackson ( quad) and safety K’Von Wallace ( neck) were limited.

Reagor, Goedert and Peters would have to be elevated to the active roster in order to play on Sunday.

CHRIS SZAGOLA – THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has never been better this season than when the team has been behind in the fourth quarter.