In an interview on 97.5 The Fanatic on Thursday, Adam Caplan of ESPN reported that Eagles coaches have already tweaked Carson Wentz’s throwing mechanics, and are "not even thinking about" playing their rookie signal caller this season. Caplan also mentioned that this year is all about getting Wentz "used to the pro speed" because of the major jump between FCS football and the NFL.
While some may say that adjusting from any college to the NFL is a major challenge, it’s important to consider the many levels of college football between FCS and the NFL. One level above FCS are low-level FBS conferences such as the Sun Belt, MAC, and Conference USA. Next are mid-level leagues such as the AAC and Mountain West conferences, followed by the elite levels of college football, consisting of the ACC, Big 12, Pac 12, Big 10 and SEC.
Considering there is a very recognizable speed difference between even the most elite conferences like the SEC and the NFL, it’s understandable why the Eagles are showing extreme patience with Wentz.
Wentz looked like a quarterback becoming accustomed to a new throwing motion again on Friday. He’s been holding onto the ball longer than the other quarterbacks, and has exhibited fluctuating accuracy in the early stages of training camp.
Some really, really unimpressive throws by Carson Wentz so far today. #Eagles
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardo975) July 29, 2016
During individual drills, Nelson Agholor made the catch of the day when he dove back across his body to snatch a ball thrown low and well behind him by Carson Wentz. Thus far, Agholor seems to be putting in the extra work needed to have a breakout second season as an Eagle.
The last player on the field taking extra reps after practice: Nelson Agholor. #Eagles
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardo975) July 29, 2016
Cody Parkey and Caleb Sturgis have kicked off their battle to handle Philadelphia's field goal duties. Thus far, it’s Sturgis who has a leg up on Parkey after making all seven of his field goal attempts inside the practice bubble this morning. Parkey made five of his seven kicks, missing wide left on attempts from 38 and 43-yards.
Eagles coaches have said that cornerback Eric Rowe had setbacks this spring, but on Friday, the second-year player intercepted Sam Bradford’s first pass of 11-on-11’s. The deep pass was wobbly, thrown behind Chris Givens, and Rowe was beaten on the play, but the former Utah Ute recovered to secure the turnover nonetheless.
Brandon Brooks and Ryan Matthews missed Fridays practice due to minor injuries. Brooks has a hamstring injury, and is listed as day-to-day, while Matthews suffered an ankle injury one week ago during non-football activity. The Eagles will conduct their first practice in full pads on Saturday morning.
Patrick Del Gaone is a staff writer for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Del_Gaone.
