By Tom Brennan
The Eagles traded quarterback Carson Wentz to Indy, where he’ll have a better offensive line and many more targets for his inaccurate arm.
Which leaves Jalen Hurts as the Eagles starting QB.
Neither has made much of an impression on the experts at Pro Football Focus, who have rated every QB in the 32-team NFL and have found both wanting:
23. CARSON WENTZ, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Wentz led the NFL last season in turnover-worthy plays (24) and didn’t even play after week 14.
Can Frank Reich work his magic and get Wentz back to his 2017 form and build his confidence back up?
Wentz was on an MVP-caliber tear in 2017 when he earned an overall PFF grade of 84.9 — just behind Drew Brees and 20 grading points higher than his 2020 grade. He was playing lights-out in key situations, with a 91.9 grade on third and fourth downs and a passer rating of 125.0 with 16 touchdowns in those situations. Coaching plays a big role in key situations, so the Colts have some reason to think Wentz will play better under Frank Reich. A tough schedule and erratic big plays in key situations will make for an interesting year.
31. JALEN HURTS, EAGLES
Jalen Hurts will get his opportunity to showcase not only his skills but his leadership heading into 2021. Hurts provided an immediate spark last season, but the wheels started to fall off after that. Hurts must manage the game with better decision-making. He finished the season with nine turnover-worthy plays in the last four games.
If Hurts wants to be the guy in Philadelphia, then he needs to protect the ball better. His leadership and poise will bring the team together, but production — and winning football games — must follow.
