Friday 23 December 2016 09:34, UK
It has been a steep learning curve for Philadelphia Eagles rookie quarterback, Carson Wentz.
Drafted second overall, behind the Los Angeles Rams' Jared Goff, it was expected that Wentz would sit for a year behind Sam Bradford before taking over as starter.
However, after Bradford was traded just days before the start of the season, the rookie QB was thrust into the starting job, ahead of more experienced back up, Chase Daniel.
Wentz led his team to a 3-0 start, but has only managed three more wins in the following 12 games, one of which came last night as the Eagles beat the New York Giants 24-19.
There is a lot of promise shown by Wentz, including his ability to lead game-winning drives despite a depleted offensive line in front of him.
He also displayed great awareness in the pocket against New York, slipping out of a near-certain sack and scrambling for a first down. The ball came loose as he slid, but the official ruled Wentz was already down, and the play stood.
Although Wentz still has to improve to become one of the league's elite passers, he has shown enough in his first year for Philadelphia fans to feel optimistic going into 2017.
