By Patrick Del Gaone, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
Following the injury to rookie quarterback Carson Wentz in his first preseason game, Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich doesn’t expect to see the mental growth of his young quarterback stall. In fact, Reich sees an opportunity for Wentz to make expeditious mental strides while he’s out with a fractured rib.
“It’s still easy for him to grow,” Reich said. “You can still get the mental reps, you can still get a lot of film study, you can interact with the players, maybe even to more of an extent. Interacting with the receivers, talking about what you expect as a quarterback. We certainly expect no slowing in the process of growing mentally. Obviously you can’t get the physical reps when you’re hurt, but I expect to see continued growth.”
Monday was Reich’s first media availability since the team beat Tampa Bay on Thursday. Although Carson Wentz’s statistics were far from stellar — 12-24, 89 yards, an interception and 15 yards rushing — Reich was impressed with what he saw from the two-time FCS national champion at North Dakota State.
“I thought it was a good opening day performance,” Reich said. “We saw the great athleticism that he has. You can see that [the spotlight] wasn’t too big for him. A lot of good moves from Carson.”
The Eagles offense was set up in the red zone after turnovers forced by the defense and special teams in the preseason opener. While the first and second-units did their job in finding the end zone on both occasions, the offense had a tough time moving the ball for much of the night, and only mustered three points in the final 54 minutes of the game.
“The goal of our offense is consistency,” Reich said. “Our special teams, defense gets us turnovers like that. It’s good news that we can convert them into touchdowns. But what it takes to win week in and week out is consistency, and that’s across the board at all positions.”
One Eagle who has been consistent both in practice and during game action is undrafted rookie Paul Turner. The former Lousiana Tech Ragin’ Cajun led Philadelphia receivers with seven targets, six catches and 34 yards on Thursday night.
“Paul is a good route runner, he’s got good feet, he’s got good hands,” Reich said. “I think that’s a big part of playing consistently. The quarterback has to know where you’ll be. The quarterback wants to have the confidence that you’re gonna make the play when it comes to you. Paul’s done a nice job.”
Turner is in a competition with Josh Huff to win the fifth, and possibly final receiving spot on the 53-man roster.
You can see the full press conference from Reich below.
