The Philadelphia Eagles have gotten a glimpse of the future

Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) passes in front of Washington Redskins nose tackle Ziggy Hood (90) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) passes in front of Washington Redskins nose tackle Ziggy Hood (90) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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In agonizing fashion, Philadelphia Eagles fans watched Carson Wentz lead a last-minute drive before fumbling on their final play Sunday.

Yes, the Eagles have now lost four straight. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has had a roller coaster rookie season to say the least. It’s still safe to say that the future is here.

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With less than two minutes remaining in the game, Wentz drove the Eagles down the field, throwing darts and finding open receivers. The  Washington Redskins don’t have an elite secondary, but fans saw the zip and confidence that drove the NFL crazy about the North Dakota State Bison prospect early in the season. Matt Tobin, the fourth-string right tackle, got blown away by one of the league’s most underrated pass rushers in Ryan Kerrigan on the Eagles’ last offensive play. The momentum was building for a game-winning touchdown. It wasn’t meant to be, but it wasn’t for lack of talent by the quarterback.

What does it mean for the Eagles?

On the Eagles final drive, Wentz completed 5 of his 9 pass attempts for 61 yards. The rookie was confident and showed some of the spark that set the city of Brotherly love on fire. Wentz’s performance Sunday showcased his resilience. Yes, the Redskins don’t have a great defense. but Wentz overcame an early red zone interception and showed that the team’s recent struggles haven’t made him gun-shy. The Redskins sacked Wentz three times Sunday, but Eagles were still in position to win behind the rookie’s 32 for 46 performance. He ended the game with 314 yards passing and a touchdown.

The Eagles won’t make the playoffs this season. They, likely, won’t be ready for a playoff run next year either. The team has struggled following the suspension of Lane Johnson. He’ll return to the field soon, and Brandon Brooks will transition back to right guard. The two made a great team and were a big reason the team began the season with a 3-1 record.

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How do we know he’ll be great?

Eagles
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) passes against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

We never know for sure about a player is until their play confirms it. Too many talented prospects, like Ryan Leaf, Tim Couch, and Akili Smith have failed their respective NFL franchises. Wentz has an aura about him that has instilled a confidence in his teammates. Work ethic and Wentz’s competitive nature are what will push him and this franchise to the next level. People often forget Peyton Manning threw 28 interceptions his rookie season.

One of the most telling notes from Sunday’s performance was the differentiation between Wentz and head Coach Pederson’s analysis. Pederson stated that it was Wentz’s best game of the season. Wentz, didn’t bathe in praise, the young leader responded by affirming the importance of rectifying the teams mistakes. Wentz wants to win, and he will.