Eagles QB Carson Wentz Looked Ready All Training Camp

It was obvious throughout training camp that Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz was very much prepared to recognize secondary coverages, defensive fronts and all type blitzes.  He could change plays at the line of scrimmage, and most importantly lead this football team.  The young man has natural leadership qualities and he’s a worker both on the field and off of it.

Early in the process, I saw Wentz in practice versus the Eagles defense.  He started out with an urgent snap count like the offense was getting ready to snap the ball, but that was a just a “dummy count”.  Like a veteran signal caller, Wentz had forced the defense into showing the blitz they were preparing to run.  The rookie changed the blocking up front and the offensive line picked up the extra rusher.

I said to myself, “This kid is more than ready to quarterback in the NFL right now”.

During practice, he was consistently getting the ball out of his hands quickly and to the right receiver versus the coverage.  He would attack the weakness in the coverage.  Consistently during the workouts, Wentz would get a good pre-snap read, identify the secondary coverage and then quickly get the ball in the hands to a receiver.

The quality that stood about him more than anything else was his willingness to throw the ball downfield.  He had no problem taking a chance and going for a big play.  He did it much more than either Sam Bradford or Chase Daniel.  It seemed that his teammates liked that about him.

Earlier today Zach Ertz said he likes the fact that Carson lives in the film room.  He’s always studying.  Ertz also said he thinks Wentz expands the playbook because of his athleticism.

Veteran tight end Brent Celek told us he thinks Wentz is smart and mature enough to handle everything they’re asking him to do.

Right guard Brandon Brooks said Wentz knows the offense very well and he’s a fiery leader.  The young man plays with emotion and this team needs it.

There’s one thing I am concerned about regarding Carson that’s his tendency to get hit too much.  He had better not try to run over the linebackers and defensive backs in the league.  He will get hurt if he doesn’t protect himself and play the game like Russell Wilson.  Wilson makes plays but he avoids taking hits.

One of the key jobs of a NFL quarterback is staying healthy.  You stay healthy by not trying to prove your toughness to anyone.

I was down in Dallas this weekend to watch my USC boys get pounded by Alabama 52-6.  Down there in Dallas all they’re talking about is Dak Prescott, so it looks like we’re headed for a decade of the Carson Wentz-led Eagles vs. the Dak Prescott-led Cowboys.