Is Carson

Wentz
The
Man?
Andrew DeWitt Leeds, Stockton
University

Ever since April of 2016, after the Philadelphia Eagles traded up in the draft to select
quarterback Carson Wentz, out of North Dakota State University, the media has questioned
Wentz’s abilities. The kid could play, there was no doubt about that. However, the lack of solid
competition during his college career was more than enough to scare scouts and media members
away. Since then, he has gone on to prove wrong many doubters and critics of his skill, although
not everyone is entirely convinced yet (most notably, Skip Bayless.)

Bayless, a well-respected sports journalist and co-host of the very popular, “Undisputed” on FS1
alongside hall of fame tight end, Shannon Sharpe, has been very (and I mean VERY) harsh on
Wentz. Now, Skip is known for being a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, arch nemeses of Wentz’s
Philadelphia Eagles. So, a lot of the gripes come from a place of pure biased opinions. However,
the words still are not very flattering if someone ignorant of Skip’s allegiances were to hear,
calling him nicknames such as “Carson Wince” and a “deer in headlights.”

Wentz is, without a doubt, one of the most polarizing players in the National Football
League, which is hard to understand at times, considering his undeniable talent and humble
personality. He has struggled with maintaining his health, something that is vital to all
professional athletes yet something that cannot be controlled. In his young career, Wentz has
already racked up a list full of injuries, including a hairline fracture, a torn ACL, and a fractured
back.

Despite all of the noise from his critics, Wentz has sustained a lifestyle of humility
connected to his faith. Not only have his values off the field been spectacular, but his playstyle
on it has been straight up remarkable more often than not. The throws he has made under
pressure have been flat out jaw-dropping at times, and watching him elude the weight of the
opposing team’s defense while he scurries around like a deer in an open prairie (NOT a deer in
front of a pair of headlights) is truly a sight to see. As Sharpe would put it, sorry, Skiiiiieep.