4 reasons why SF 49ers improve to 3-1 with win over Eagles
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: SF 49ers should have a field day vs. Carson Wentz
For a myriad of reasons, some understandable and some not, Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz hasn’t been anything close to himself over the first three games of 2020.
In case you were wondering where he stands among qualifiers:
- Completion percentage: 59.8 (28th)
- Touchdown percentage: 2.3 (28th)
- Interception percentage: 4.5 (32nd)
- Passer rating: 63.9 (33rd)
Wentz is currently tied with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins for the most interceptions thrown this year (six), and the former is also scuffling with only three touchdowns thrown.
Part of the issue has been a lack of legitimate receiving targets — more on that in a moment — but Wentz has also dealt with a sub-par offensive line when it comes to pass protection. According to Football Outsiders, the Eagles are ranked 22nd in pass blocking this year.
In direct relation, Wentz’s passer rating, per Pro Football Focus, is 42.4 when facing pressure. And he’s faced a lot of it, too, pressured 42 times on 150 dropbacks.
Even with a banged-up and fill-in pass rush, the SF 49ers should have little trouble frustrating Wentz on Sunday.