10 NY Giants and NFL Observations: Is Joe Judge too conservative?
By Ryan Messick
7. Wentz on the Rise?
After looking like one of the bottom five quarterbacks in the NFL the first three and a half weeks, Eagles signal caller Carson Wentz is starting to look like a franchise player again.
Wentz’s stats don’t tell the full story, but since halftime of the win over the 49ers, Wentz has completed 49 of 87 passes for 562 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.
That’s fewer than 6.5 yards per attempt and only a 56 percent completion percentage, but given the fact that he’s playing behind offensive lineman the Eagles have been scooping up off the street and practice squads, and he’s lost his top three wide receivers and top two tight ends as well, it’s been somewhat impressive.
The Giants might not be getting him at the best time this year, but they should be able to generate a ton of pressure against a struggling offensive line.
8. Ertz’s Days Numbered in Philly?
It would be somewhat surprising if Zach Ertz was still in Philadelphia after the trade deadline on November 3. It was widely reported that Ertz wanted an extension in the offseason, and his numbers have been far from stellar. Ertz is under contract through 2021, and at 29 years old still has plenty left in the tank.
However, his numbers this year are less than stellar. Through six games, Ertz has 24 receptions for 178 yards and a lone touchdown on 45 targets. That projects to a 16-game pace of 64 catches for 475 yards and three touchdowns. He’s gone for at least 74 catches and 800 yards five years in a row, averaging 5.6 touchdowns per season.
Something isn’t clicking, and it’s hard not to wonder if it has to do with his tenuous contract situation. Given the Eagles struggles this season, it would make a lot of sense if Ertz is suiting up for a new team in November.
He’s caught 67 passes for 764 yards and seven touchdowns in his last 11 career games against the Giants, so New York fans should be happy to see him out of the division.
All that said, the tight end’s injury status could impact whether or not he has much trade value. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Ertz is expected to miss three to four weeks with an ankle injury. That will certainly impact his trade value, which may cause the Eagles to hang onto him and deal him in the offseason – when they will still control his rights.