Howard’s Point of View
Due to the clavicle fracture to Nick Foles, all eyes were on back up quarterback Mark Sanchez. On Monday night football, one of the NFL’s biggest stages, Sanchez did not disappoint. During his first start since 2012, Sanchez threw for 322 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 45-21 win over the Carolina Panthers. I expected Sanchez to be solid, but I did not expect him to play flawlessly. I guess everyone is wrong sometimes.
Sanchez looked like the answer to the Eagles quarterback woes, displaying good pocket presence, footwork and accuracy. Despite a fantastic showing by Sanchez, you will not hear me crowning him as the Eagles’ quarterback of the future after torching an extremely mediocre Panthers team. We’ve seen glimpses of greatness from Sanchez even dating back to his days as a Jet. But the infamous “butt fumble” and his consistent struggles only reassured me as to why I will not put my full trust in Sanchez just yet.
Jeremy Maclin has been spectacular for the Eagles so far this season. However since Sanchez has been at the helm, it seems like the chemistry between him and rookie wide receiver Jordan Matthews has evolved. In the last two weeks with Sanchez under center, Matthews has had a total of 178 yards receiving and three touchdowns. This will only help the Eagles in the second half of the season. Teams will focus on containing Maclin, which will free up Matthews to make plays considering Riley Cooper has looked nonexistent at times this season.
I hope Sanchez can reenact his performance against the Panthers for the remainder of the season. But before we hop on the Sanchez bandwagon, just remember he is a back up quarterback for a reason.
Jason’s Point of View
After a 45-21 route over the Carolina Panthers on Monday night football, the Philadelphia Eagles improved to 7-2 on the season. The big story heading into the game would be new starting quarterback Mark Sanchez. Sanchez took over starting quarterback duties due to a clavicle injury suffered by starting quarterback Nick Foles.
This game marked the first game Sanchez started since 2012. Sanchez played a flawless game throwing for 322 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions in the win over the Panthers.
The Eagles high powered offense did not miss a beat with Sanchez at the helm, in fact the Eagles offense was just as efficient if not more efficient with Sanchez at the at helm. Sanchez led the Eagles on four scoring drives and had no trouble getting the ball in the end zone once the Eagles got within the red zone. The offense moved smooth with Sanchez as he was able to move around in the pocket and use his mobility to step up and deliver pass on target to key receivers.
So far this year wide receiver Jeremy Maclin has been the go to target for Foles, but for Sanchez the go to target has been rookie wide receiver Jordan Matthews. Sanchez and Matthews have connected on three touchdown passes for a total of 178 receiving yards.
Sanchez looks to have another starting quarterback job after his stellar play. Sanchez looks to be the quarterback for the future for the Eagles.
As the season goes on Sanchez on field play will show that he is more of a fit for this high powered Eagles offense than Foles, but only time will tell and now Sanchez has his opportunity to show everyone he is more than a “Butt Fumble”.
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