It’s funny how certain years stick in your mind, isn't it? For Philadelphia Eagles fans, 2016 might bring up a mix of feelings, especially when you think about who was under center. It wasn't exactly a season defined by a single, steady quarterback presence, but rather a period of transition and searching.
Remember Sam Bradford? He was the guy who started the season, fresh off a trade from the Rams. There was a lot of hope, a sense that maybe he could finally anchor the offense. He’d shown flashes, and the team was trying to build something. But as often happens in the NFL, things didn't quite pan out as planned. Injuries, inconsistencies – it’s a tough league, and quarterbacks often bear the brunt of the team's struggles.
Then came the moment that really shifted the narrative for the Eagles, and for many fans, it was the true beginning of a new era. Carson Wentz. Drafted in the first round that year, he was the future, the guy everyone was excited about. He got his chance to play, and you could see the raw talent, the arm strength, the potential. Even though he was a rookie, he brought a different energy to the field. It was a learning curve, for sure, but the glimpses of what he could become were undeniable.
Looking back, 2016 for the Eagles at quarterback was a story of two distinct chapters. It was about the veteran trying to hold the fort and the exciting rookie stepping into the spotlight, offering a glimpse of what was to come. It’s a reminder that even in seasons that don't end in parades, there are crucial moments of development and change that shape a franchise for years to come.