You simply can't tell me that training camp play from a quarterback isn't an indication of what is to come in the regular season.
For proof look no further than 2017.
In 2017, Carson Wentz came back from his rookie season in 2016 to have a light-out, dominate showing in training camp. He was masterful that summer, picking apart not only the Eagles' defense, but the Miami Dolphins defense as well. That summer he threw 31 passing touchdowns in training camp and gave everyone who watched a clear sign he was about to take a huge leap forward.
Don't believe me? Here is what Dolphins beat writer Omar Kelly tweeted recently about Wentz in 2017:
Wentz looked like a franchise quarterback in training camp. He played like one that season.
I've tracked every pass from the Eagles' quarterbacks in camp for the last six seasons, and in five of those six years, how a player was in camp was how they were in the regular season. Wentz's 2020 camp, where he played well before completely collapsing in the regular season, is the only time camp has lied to us.
So yes, when it comes to training camp, how a quarterback plays matters and the stats matter as well.
That is why when it comes to Jalen Hurts this training camp there is really only one thing I want to see — 30 passing touchdowns.
That is the bar for a successful camp for Hurts in 2022. With all of the weapons he has in the passing game, and a full season of starting under his belt, he has to be a better passer this year than he was last year if the Eagles want to come close to meeting the high expectations they have this season.
That starts with getting 30 passing touchdowns in training camp.
Hurts didn't really come close to crossing the 30 touchdown mark in training camp last season.
Here were his stats from last year:
Hurts 2021 Training Camp Stats:
468 reps
215 completions/297 attempts
22 passing touchdowns
6 interceptions
The 22 passing touchdowns is a low number for camp. While each camp is different, and they don't do the exact same drills each year, Hurts struggled to get the ball in the end zone last year through the air. It was especially true in the red zone, where quarterbacks normally end a drill with 4 or 5 passing touchdowns. Last year Hurts would go full sets of reps without throwing a single touchdown.
This year that has to change. Hurts has too many good players around him to not be able to have success through the air. There are not many trios better on any NFL roster than AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. The trio is arguably better than what Wentz had to work with in 2017 (or at any point in his Eagles career).
The Eagles know they can run the ball, but to take a big step forward this season, they have to move the ball better through the air. Chances are that will be an emphasis in training camp, especially when you consider the injury risks with running drills and the Eagles' prioritizing health. The coaching staff knows the passing game has to improve. They have talked at length this offseason about the improvements they have seen from Hurts.
Now, camp has arrived. It is time to stop talking about potential and to start to see results. Hurts needs to have a strong camp for their to be any real hope that the team can improve this season and truly get behind him as the franchise quarterback. Coincidently, Hurts also gets a chance against the Miami Dolphins this training camp, just like Wentz did prior to the 2017 season.
Hurts needs to have a 2017 Wentz camp. He needs 30 passing touchdowns.
Here is a look back at all the Wentz/Hurts training camp stats from the last five seasons:
Hurts 2021 Training Camp Stats:
468 reps
215 completions/297 attempts
22 passing touchdowns
6 interceptions
Carson Wentz 2020 Training Camp Stats:
308 reps
134 completions/205 attempts
28 passing touchdowns
5 interceptions
Carson Wentz 2019 Training Camp Stats:
448 reps
210 completions/330 attempts
23 passing touchdowns
9 interceptions
Carson Wentz 2018 Training Camp Stats:
98 reps (Note: Was limited as he recovered from ACL tear that ended 2017 season)
64 completions/100 attempts
9 touchdowns
5 interceptions
Carson Wentz 2017 Training Camp Stats:
227 completions, 330 attempts
31 passing touchdowns
5 interceptions
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com
