Wentz looks to break out of season-long funk versus Cardinals

In an NFC East that no one seems to want to win, the Philadelphia Eagles could steal a division title. Carson Wentz, now is your time to step up.

Indeed, the quarterback who electrified the league with an MVP-like performance in 2017 and then hoisted the Eagles on his back to the playoffs in 2019 has been something of a mystery this year. At this writing, with the Eagles standing at 3-6-1 and (believe it or not) within striking distance of first place, Wentz is in the midst of a nightmare season, leading the league in interceptions (14), fumbles (10) and sacks (40), and ranking 32nd in completion percentage (58.4) and 31st in yards per attempt (6.2). Some point to out-of-sync mechanics and poor decision-making as the root of the problem. Others say it’s the system he’s playing in. Still others think it’s coaching. Many different voices were in Wentz’s ear this season giving conflicting messages. That has to serve to confuse.

And then there’s the presence of his apparent successor. In April, the Eagles drafted Jalen Hurts out of Oklahoma with the 53rd overall pick. Though the team said the newcomer was no threat to Wentz’s standing, he may not have taken it that way.

Whatever the case, the Eagles are stuck with a franchise quarterback in a season-long slump. Still, this season is salvageable and a stellar performance and victory over the Arizona Cardinals, whom they visit Sunday, Dec. 20, on Fox, would certainly go a long way toward turning around an otherwise forgettable 2020 campaign.