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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is entering a crucial season. Wentz is entering his fourth year in the league and already has a long-term extension that will keep him in Philadelphia through at least 2024. Wentz is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL when healthy, but the last two years he hasn't been able to complete 16 games.
The last couple of years the Eagles have had Nick Foles to fall back on, but this year it's Josh McCown who will be the backup and there is some skepticism if he could have as much success as Foles if Wentz goes down.
So what exactly should we expect out of Wentz in 2019? Let's break down three last-minute predictions for the former North Dakota State Bison star.
3. Wentz completes 16 games
In 2017, it was an ACL injury that Wentz suffered that ended his season earlier. Wentz took a nasty hit against the Los Angeles Rams while going into the end zone that caused the injury. ACL injuries are nothing to take lightly, but that was an injury that probably could have been avoided.
Last season, it was a back injury that cut his season short. That one is a bit more concerning because he also had suffered a stress fracture in his back during adolescence that was discovered when he was a freshman with the Bison. A back injury is something that could plague him for the rest of his career, but he took an entire offseason and the Eagles medical staff has made sure he is completely healthy heading into the season.
The number one concern for the Eagles this season is to keep Wentz upright and healthy, and they are going to do everything in their power to make it happen.
The Eagles aren't going to have to turn to Josh McCown this season (unless he is taking a few kneel-downs at the end of a game) because Wentz is going to play all 16 games.
2. Throws for 4,000 yards
If Wentz ends up missing any games, there is no chance he is going to reach 4,000 yards, but as long as he stays healthy, he can reach this milestone.
During Wentz's rookie season, the only time he played 16 games, he was able to throw for 3,782 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
Wentz has no shortage of targets to throw the ball around to. Zach Ertz, Nelson Agholor, DeSean Jackson, and Alshon Jeffrey should all get plenty of targets this season. JJ Arcega-Whiteside is a rookie with big potential as well.
1. Wentz sets a career-high for interceptions
Wentz threw 14 interceptions as a rookie, and this year he will go over that mark, averaging around an interception a game.
The Eagles have a lot of solid running backs on the roster, but with no guy separating themselves from the pack, the rushing game could be a weakness.
That means there are going to need to be more throwing attempts on third and long and that is going to lead to more interceptions. It still should be a strong season for Wentz, but there is no doubt that the interceptions are going to be an issue.
