Making ’em Wentz

The Philadelphia Eagles will attempt to take a commanding three-game lead in the NFC East when they host the Washington Redskins tonight at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles (5-1) have won four in a row and will complete a sweep of the Redskins (3-2) with another victory. Philadelphia won the season opener 30-17 at Washington.

PHILADELPHIA — Jay Gruden would rather coach against Carson Wentz once every four years instead of twice each season.

He can blame the Cleveland Browns.

When the Browns traded the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft to Philadelphia for a slew of draft picks, the Eagles selected Wentz. He’s been the franchise quarterback they expected.

Wentz has started every game since his arrival, going 12-10. The Eagles (5-1) lead the NFC East and are first in the conference entering tonight’s game against Gruden and the Washington Redskins (3-2).

“I think he’s progressed at a rate as fast as anybody I’ve seen really,” Gruden said about Wentz. “His ability to make plays in the pocket, his ability to stay in the pocket in the face of a rush and still deliver balls accurately, his command of the offense.”

Wentz is one of the favorites to win the NFL MVP award, according to oddsmakers. Meanwhile, the Browns are 1-21 since the trade and have used five starting quarterbacks.

That’s Cleveland’s problem. But it bothers Gruden, too.

“I think he’s already proven this short in his career that he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the league, quite frankly, and he’s going to be for a long time,” Gruden said. “And I don’t know how he got to Philadelphia. And I’m very upset about that.”

The Redskins beat the Eagles twice last season, but Wentz led Philadelphia to a 30-17 victory at Washington in Week 1. His magic act to escape a sack and toss a 58yard touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor on the opening series set the tone for the success he’s having.

Wentz has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 1,584 yards, 13 TDs and only three interceptions. He’s seventh in passer rating at 99.6.

“Every week it seems like we’re playing against an excellent quarterback, and knowing that Wentz is going to be there for a long period of time just puts a few more gray hairs on my head,” Gruden said. “But love the competition, and it’s our job to get after him and make him uncomfortable.”

Wentz and the Eagles are well ahead of schedule. They weren’t expected to be serious contenders until next season. But Wentz has taken a giant leap from his rookie season and his teammates have jumped on board.