Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Players who need to step up against Detroit Lions

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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 15: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes in the first half of an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

2. Carson Wentz, QB

After week one, we didn’t think we would be saying that Carson Wentz needs to be better — but here we are. Wentz’s first-half performance against Atlanta might’ve been the worst half of football he’s ever put together. And his performance against New Orleans last season was pretty atrocious. But I believe this one takes the cake.

Granted, Wentz did step up in a major way later on in the third quarter and beyond. So he does deserve credit for that — especially after being criticized about how he’s not clutch, folds under pressure, etc. And if Nelson Agholor does catch that ball on the final offensive drive, we’re more than likely discussing a fantastic fourth-quarter comeback victory by No. 11.

But that’s not the case, though. The Eagles lost. It isn’t all Carson Wentz’s fault, but he deserves blame. The slow first-half starts are getting old quickly. Being a second-half team is fine, and all, but the Eagles don’t show up on offense until the third quarter. That needs to change.

We always hear about how Carson Wentz is elite, and he has the tools to be great. Now it’s time for him to flash that gene and prove it to those who doubt him they are wrong.

The Eagles will be short-handed, and Wentz is facing one of the toughest challenges he has to date as a veteran franchise quarterback. Let’s find out if Wentz is a guy who can uplift his offense with less valuable weapons surrounding him, or if he’s just a product of the system.

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