While many NFL head coaches are reluctant to call designed runs with their quarterback for fear of injury, Eagles coaches aren’t shying away from allowing 6'5", 225-pound Carson Wentz to tuck-and-run.
On Sunday, Wentz kept a zone-read when the defensive end followed the running back and scampered down the left sideline for about 15-yards before stepping out of bounds. Today, the rookie quarterback rushed for a touchdown on a bootleg against the first-team defense.
The red zone success continued for the former "Thundering Herd" quarterback when he found Trey Burton in the back of the end zone for a score. Later, 6'3" Rueben Randle rose up over 6'1" Eric Rowe for a touchdown on a fade pattern thrown by Wentz.
Rueben Randle with the toe tapper on the fade in the back of the end zone from Wentz. #Smooth
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 1, 2016
The Eagles were back in shorts and shells at the NovaCare Complex on a refreshingly brisk Monday morning after two consecutive practices in full pads. Wide receiver Marcus Johnson (quad), running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) and guard Brandon Brooks (hamstring) remained out due to injuries, although head coach Doug Pederson stated that projected starters Mathews and Brooks should be back with the team later this week.
Versatile running back Darren Sproles said on Friday that Philadelphia coaches have some "tricks up their sleeves" regarding his implementation into Doug Pederson’s West Coast offense. On at least two "four wide" formations this morning, the Eagles veteran running back lined up as the receiver nearest to the sideline.
Eagles going with four wide to start practice. Sproles out wide. Agholor getting some work inside.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroCSN) August 1, 2016
Pederson seems intrigued with the mismatch of getting Sproles the ball one-on-one against a cornerback in the open-field, considering the shiftiness of his 33-year-old halfback and the inconsistent tackling seen weekly in secondary’s around the NFL.
Eagles coaches had a bit of a scare this morning when star tackle Jason Peters limped to the sideline with an apparent ankle injury. After a short time down on one knee, the Eagles blindside watchdog appeared to be fine as he walked around more steadily on the sideline.
Fourth-string quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson wasn’t particularly sharp at practice on Monday. The San Francisco native threw three interceptions, as Rodney McLeod, Jordan Hicks and Rowe each secured a turnover for the defense. Rowe has now picked off Eagles quarterbacks in three consecutive practices.
Rookie safety Blake Countess showed off his alacrity on a long pass today. The former Auburn Tiger darted to the sideline, spun his head around and deflected the pass to the ground. Over the past couple of years, Eagles defensive backs have struggled turning their heads and locating the ball like Countess did today.
The Eagles will take Tuesday off before getting back to work on Wednesday morning at the NovaCare Complex.
Patrick Del Gaone is a staff writer for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Del_Gaone.
