A return from an ACL and LCL injury always causes some hesitation and scares to a crowd. Whether it is baseball, football, or any sport, experts can testify the difficulty it is for athletes to perform at their normal or former level. In some cases there are exceptions, this may possibly be said for the Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz.
In his debut against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Wentz went 25 of 37 for 255 yards, a touchdown and one interception. As the Eagles defeated the Colts 20-16 he quickly reassured Philly fans he is capable to compete in the 2018-2019 NFL season. Wentz threw the game’s very first touchdown pass in the 1st quarter, a task that the Eagles faced difficulty completing in their preseason and season opener. “It was a long time coming,” said Wentz.
As much as the fans have been curious and excited for Wentz’s return, his teammates opening expressed their thoughts towards him. During the offseason, Wentz led practices with the scout team and his performance left the team in wonder.
“You saw what he did last year, and when he came on scout team, he was doing it [again] and I was like, ‘Man, this guys is special.’ He was making some crazy throws,” Jones said.
The same can be said of Wentz during his debut, as when the pocket collapsed, he managed to squeeze his way through and putting up a fight to be sacked by defenders. The opening throws contained a series of long passes, at times in tight places, but regardless making them on the dime for a catch.
Cornerback Sidney Jones said, “I’ve seen greatness, man.” Just like the players, Coach Pederson also believes Wentz’s performance is the best he’s ever seen. The team using player-tracking technology have witnessed that Wentz’s arm is “the strongest it’s ever been previous years.”
“The thing is, I’m not going to coach scared. I’m not going to coach paranoid,” Pederson said. “I’m not going to go in thinking, ‘Oh, no, we can’t do this, we can’t do that.’ We just have to continue to go play and I [have] to coach that way. That’s where the confidence with the team comes, by doing that.”
During Sunday’s game the Eagles QB had a face of determination and confidence. The experience of injury on a professional level has completely shaped his character for years to come. The way he praised, encouraged, and remained present for the team speaks great volume of the culture they continue to build. “It’s been a long process for him, but I think he did what he could to build up his body,” said Johnson. “He looks stronger physically than what he did last year. He’s looking good.”
Wentz does not expect opponents to take it easy on him this season, they will bring everything they got, but he promises the same in his return. On a rainy day to begin the first weekend of Fall in Philadelphia, Wentz became the weather-master at home before a crowd of fans who missed him long enough.
Sources: ESPN
Daniel Finegan 
Will Cunningham 
Paul McConnell