Can the Eagles ignore the outside noise?
Again, this concern revolves around the move to solidify Caron Wentz as ‘THE guy’. We all saw what happened when Nick Foles came in last year and the team’s performances turned around for the better. The Eagles made the playoffs and even won a game, but with every win led by Foles, Carson Wentz leadership and ability to stay on the field was further scrutinized by the media. With Foles out of the building, the pressure is solely on Wentz to establish himself as the spearhead of the team.
Doug Pederson directly addressed this at the NFL Coaches and Owners Meetings, saying that Wentz next step is to grow and evolve as a leader of the whole team, not solely the offense. Pederson did mention it was ‘in Wentz’s DNA’ to be the leader a team can rally around. The fact that Pederson is addressing this already, so early on, means there is clearly some validation to the concerns of Wentz leadership dynamic compared to Foles’.
If the Eagles come out firing to start the season, then the issue is put to bed and the team will rally around Wentz. BUT, if there are early season struggles, poor play from Wentz or even altercations with teammates, then rest assured the media scrutiny and the talk of locker room shrines dedicated to Foles will resurface and potentially throw the team into further disarray.
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
