Flashback Friday: Carson Wentz and the Eagles make magic in Week 7

When the Philadelphia Eagles faced off against the Washington Redskins in Week 1of the 2017 season, ‘The Birds’ were victorious. Philly hoped the result would be the same in their second meeting.

When the Philadelphia Eagles played the Washington Redskins in their first meeting, a game of tug-of-war ensued. Both teams appeared to be neck and neck until Philly pulled away in the fourth quarter. The Birds went on to win 30-17.

Week 7 began in a similar manner. The two NFC East rivals went back and forth in the first half of their Monday Night Football matchup. The second half was a different story, and it seemed as if the Redskins were playing catch up for the remainder of the ballgame. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 34-24 and swept the season series against their rivals.

Many factors contributed to the Birds knocking off Washington, and they all seemed to include the Eagles’ starting quarterback.

Carson Wentz was near perfect. 

By Week 7, it was clear that Carson Wentz was a player to watch. If teams wanted to defeat Philadelphia, they would have to contain the Eagles’ young quarterback. Luckily for Philly, the Redskins didn’t.

Wentz had another game to remember. ‘Number 11’ threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns, going 17 for 25 in the process.

Wentz does it with his legs as well.

NFL fans, at this point of the season, were very aware that Wentz had a cannon and could drop dimes, but in this one, he proved he could be an effective runner as well. Against Washington, ‘The Wentz Wagon rolled all over the guys from D.C. as Wentz finished with 63 yards on eight carries. He was also the team’s leading rusher.

Wentz spent the night keeping plays alive. There were multiple times when he seemed dead in his tracks but, somehow, managed to elude the pass rush and keep the chains moving.

Here is an example of one of those Houdini-like escapes. As the pocket begins to collapse around Wentz, he manages to avoid the sack, and rush down the field for a first down.

We still don’t know how he did that.

Wentz helped the Philadelphia Eagles put up three unanswered  touchdowns.

The Redskins led the game for most of the first half. That was until the Eagles went on an offensive tear.

Trailing 10-3 with around three minutes to play in the first half, the Birds scored on a 64-yard passing touchdown from Wentz to receiver Mack Hollins. On the ensuing Redskins drive, the Eagles forced a Washington punt. Philly drove down the field and scored on another passing touchdown. This time Wentz found his favorite target, tight end Zach Ertz on a four-yard out route.

The Eagles’ touchdown streak didn’t end there. They picked up where they left off in the third quarter when Wentz hit rookie running back Corey Clement on a nine-yard passing touchdown.

Next: Former Eagles OC Brad Childress joins ‘The Alliance’

The Birds went from trailing to leading by fourteen after back-to back-to back touchdown passes from Wentz.

Once Philly captured the lead, they never relinquished it. The win extended the Birds’ record to 6-1, and 3-0 at home. Most importantly, it kept them in the hunt for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Check out some of the game’s highlights.

Video courtesy of the NFL’s official YouTube page

Here is a look at some of the numbers for all you stat heads.

Philadelphia

Passing: Carson Wentz (QB): 17-25, 268 YDS, 4 TD, 1 INT

Rushing: Carson Wentz (QB): 8 CAR, 63 YDS

Receiving: Zach Ertz (TE): 5 REC, 89 YDS, 1 TD

Washington

Passing: Kirk Cousins (QB): 30-40, 303 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT

Rushing: Chris Thompson (RB): 7 CAR, 38 YDS

Receiving: Vernon Davis 4 REC, 67 YDS