Eagles history: Nine memorable games of the Carson Wentz legacy

Game One: Carson Wentz routs Steelers as Eagles see a 3-0 start.

Following wins against the lackluster Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears to open the 2016 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles were ready to welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to South Philadelphia and take on a real test for their rookie quarterback, Carson Wentz.

The Eagles passed said test with flying colors. Carson Wentz threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns versus no interceptions. The 125.9 passer rating he earned on that day was his second-highest during his five seasons in Philadelphia, and he did it in just his third game as a professional.

One of the biggest highlights from this game was a beautiful pass completed early in the third quarter. The Eagles were facing a third-and-eight scenario from t own 27-yard line. Wentz climbed the pocket, slid right, and perfectly laid the ball in Darren Sproles‘ hands 20 yards downfield. Sproles did the rest, turning what would’ve been a 20-yard gain and turning it into a 73-yard touchdown. Using his shiftiness, Sproles made it look like the Steelers never had a chance of touching him.

Sproles will always be remembered as one of the heroes, but Carson Wentz was also relying on the sure hands of Brent Celek who was in the twilight of his career. Philly’s young signal-caller was relying on his playmakers and making smart reads all night. He looked like a veteran with his pocket presence. Years later, this is still a game that we reference when we think about how good Carson Wentz can be.