Photos by Brent Tehven
Philadelphia Eagles Fans Chant “M-V-P, M-V-P” After Wentz Leads the Eagles to the Top of the NFC
ESPN Monday Night Football color analyst Jon Gruden is no stranger to the NDSU football program. He dove inside the Bison playbook with Carson Wentz before the 2016 NFL Draft and appeared in Fargo this past spring to see the NDSU machine up close and personal. But the only way Gruden could describe Wentz’s game last night was “North Dakota Tough.”
Under the bright lights of ESPN and a national audience, Carson Wentz led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 34-24 victory against division rival Washington Redskins.
Wentz was just as impressive off the field. Tom Rinaldi released a story on Sunday about Wentz’s relationship with the Kusters family. Lukas Kusters died from cancer earlier this year, but before he was buried in Wentz’s No. 11 jersey, the “Dutch Destroyer” had the opportunity to meet and thank his hero for sending him a get well message.
Kusters also gave Wentz a Dutch Destroyer bracelet during his visit to the Eagles complex. Wentz has not removed it from his wrist since.
Wentz got the Eagles into the end zone for the first time when he uncorked a 64-yard bomb to rookie wide receiver Mack Hollins in the second quarter.
The Eagles got the ball back just before the end of the first half and Wentz marched the Eagles offense down the field. With 26 seconds remaining, Wentz hit Zach Ertz, who is emerging as a preferred target for the former Bison quarterback, in the flat and Ertz took care of the rest, giving the Eagles their first lead before the break.
Quickly after the touchdown, Ertz curiously threw the ball to Wentz before celebrating his fifth touchdown of the year. Just before the second half began, Wentz emerged from the locker room and found the Kusters family on the sideline. He gave the touchdown ball to Lukas Kusters’ brother.
The Wentz Wagon kept chugging along in the second half. He floated a beautiful fade pass to running back Corey Clement and performed his best Harry Houdini impression while escaping pressure in the fourth quarter.
“Carson Wentz is unbelievable. That’s the same play they feature at North Dakota State.” – Jon Gruden #ProBison pic.twitter.com/dVGwesuITH
— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) October 24, 2017
Wentz finished his “Gruden’s Grinder” performance with four touchdowns on 17-of-25 passing and 268 yards. He added 63 yards with his legs.
The Eagles sit at 6-1 and atop the east division. The Eagles welcome the winless San Fransisco 49ers to Lincoln Financial Field next Sunday at noon (CST).
