The offseason was a a tumultuous one for the Philadelphia Eagles. After trading up to secure the future of NDSU quarterback Carson Wentz, a quarterback controversy that later ended in Wentz becoming the starter changed everything..but in an unintentional way, it’s given Wentz the perfect opportunity to succeed.
When Training camp arrived, it did so with Sam Bradford still the starter after rescinding his trade request and realizing his best chance of success was to help the Eagles soar under Doug Pederson and play his way to a long-term contract elsewhere.
From the start of Training camp until the day that changed the franchise, Sam Bradford was working, naturally with the “ones”. At the time, those receivers often consisted of Reuben Randle, Chris Givens and Jordan Matthews.
Carson Wentz on the other hand, spent a lot of time with the likes of Cayleb Jones and Marcus Johnson, who are no longer on the roster. But some extended looks with Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor, Trey Burton certainly aided his development.
That doesn’t mean his chemistry with Jordan Matthews isn’t as strong however. Even though Wentz didn’t get to practice with Matthews until September through a mix of injury and structure, the pair arrived At the NovaCare Complex early to put in some extra work together.
Wentz and Matthews have built up quite the rapport over the summer, especially off the field and after practices. But it’s the core relationships that are really helping him. Below is a pie-chart of all the Eagles targets through the opening two weeks. It’s more than just a coincidence that Matthews has had 11 more passes thrown his way than the receiver ranked second, Nelson Agholor.
Wentz also spent a lot of time with Trey Burton..the chemistry built up over the summer is reflected by what was a heavy involvement against the Bears in the absence of Zach Ertz.
If Sam Bradford hadn’t been traded when he was and was instead traded midway through camp, the entire landscape would have changed. Wentz would have had an increased role, seeing more reps with new receivers and seeing more of a preparation focus than a “developmental” one.
When Bradford was traded to the Vikings, Wentz inherited a receiving corps made up of players whom he’d had extensive reps with during the Summer. Reuben Randle and Chris Givens were gone and in their place were names all-too familiar with Wentz, who also carried the skill sets needed to benefit the Eagles quarterback.
It’s strange to think that such a rollercoaster offseason has given Wentz a familiar group of receivers that will only become more reliable as the season goes on. The players made “the jump” together..as one united group..and as a result, their work ethic was communal.
“Get in early and work with him, come in early, stay late.” Josh Huff said ahead of the season opener. Even though Huff is yet to contribute in a similar sense to Agholor or Matthews this year, the ethic starts at the top and runs right through the heart of the unit.
The focus on the Eagles receiving corps has become one of development. One of the youngest WR groups in the NFL, the Eagles have a collection of players who have extremely high ceilings but are yet to reach their true potential. Being able to develop with Wentz is only going aid this..and it’s already being reflected.
Nelson Agholor has already received for his first touchdown of the year, something that didn’t some until the back end of his rookie season. Agholor almost added a second to his tally against the Bears, but bobbled the pass and dropped the reception inside the endzone.
With the exception of Green-Beckham and Bryce Treggs, who is yet to play a snap, the remaining Eagles receivers have been with the team for at least one season..which through an offseason where the word change was a focal point, is refreshing and contributes to the one thing that the Eagles are desperate to establish, continuity.
The Sam Bradford trade was heavily criticized at the time with the notion that it would be “punting” on the 2016 season. What many didn’t account for was the team’s communal faith in Carson Wentz and the amount of work dedicated to building a rapport that would have otherwise taken another offseason to establish.
Be it through extra work after practice or bonding through music, arriving to Training camp early or simply learning about his new team through drills, Wentz was able to learn a lot in his first Summer as an NFL quarterback..and if it wasn’t for the trade of Sam Bradford happening on the cusp of the regular season, Wentz would have probably faced a much tougher task with the pressure having more time to mount or simply stagnating for a year as Chase Daniel became the man to lead the Eagles in 2016.
The future is bright..and it starts with the present. Something that is not lost on Howie Roseman, Doug Pederson and especially Carson Wentz.
Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
