In this unorthodox training camp which features restrictions coupled with a late start due to COVID-19, the Eagles have only three weeks to prepare for their season opener. The Eagles will kick off their season in Washington on September 13 and the workouts at camp started much later than in previous years. It is an issue that the Eagles and 31 other NFL teams are forced to deal with, so Wentz, along with head coach Doug Pederson have made it clear the time has come to ramp up the intensity.
"The reality of the situation is that we are just a few weeks out," said Wentz. "The urgency like Coach said is something that I've personally stressed around here, and I know Coach has as well."
This will be Wentz's fifth year in the NFL. Last season, Wentz silenced many of his critics with a strong second half of the season despite dealing with numerous injuries to his offensive teammates. Pederson is excited for what lies ahead for his quarterback as Wentz continues to set an example on and off the field.
"What I've seen and what we've talked about a lot is his leadership with those guys," Pederson said. "It's kind of carrying over what he did last year with those young players and how he can kind of shape and mold them, which is great to see because these young guys are asking him questions when they are in there with him, and that's something that Carson has embraced and will continue to embrace as the leader of the team."
The Eagles have to be both cautious and aggressive at the same time. The late start to camp has resulted in a delay in heavy hitting at practice. The Eagles didn't put on the pads until this past week and did not start with live tackling until the end of last week. For Wentz and his teammates, that sense of urgency has to be tempered with the risk of doing too much too soon with players who are just getting back into shape for the start of the season.
"It's a fine line," said Wentz. "We're only a handful of practices in, so it feels like it's early in training camp. Things are obviously different this year, but we also recognize that everyone is going through the same kind of situation right now."
When the season does get underway, Pederson is excited about what Wentz will be able to accomplish. As the quarterback enters his fifth year, the head coach believes he is ready for a huge season.
"He knows how to play this game," said Pederson. "He plays it just like a professional. Obviously, he knows how to play. He's aggressive. He's got to maintain that aggressiveness."