Carson Wentz, The Most In-Demand NFL Third-String QB
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — By the cluster of cameras and mics, and tiny tape recorders surrounding his face, anyone unaware of who the tall red-headed kid wearing the red No. 11 was would instantly assume he's the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
That's the command—and expectations—Carson Wentz brings.
He's the most in-demand third-string quarterback in the NFL.
The Eagles' first-round draft choice, chosen second-overall, is taking it in fine. He seems like he has a great head for this kind of stuff. He continues to answer the perfunctory questions, spliced with a gas station bathroom inquiry, and he'll continue answering them the right away.
He projects the image and swagger of a leader. Now whether it's case of looking for the pull cord on his back and yanking the string to a chorus of rehearsed answers we'll see.
He spoke about finding his mechanics and footwork. He spoke how fun everything is. He spoke about working with Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel, who's most versed in first-year head coach Doug Pederson's offense. He genuinely looks like he's enjoying this.
"It was long time coming, it was a long off-season and the summer went really quick," Wentz said. "It fun to get out there on a hot day, but it was fun to get out there with some of these guys. I worked on my footwork, mostly refining my mechanics. You're never a finished product in this league, especially I'm a young guy with a lot of work to do. I'm getting used to (having all eyes on him).
"I learn to block it out when you're playing. It's just football. You don't worry about it too much. It comes with the territory. I'm trying to soak up as much information as I can, and so far (Bradford and Daniel) have been very helpful. We spoke about footwork when we were out in San Diego together. It's definitely something I've to them about."
Wentz feels the most growth he's made is mentally. He said he's learning every day.
"I feel more and more comfortable every day," Wentz said. The objective "is to just get better. It's the objective the whole team—to keep getting better as a team. We all have to elevate out game everytime we come out here. We have a lot to learn, especially with all of the young guys that were out here today."
It was addressed what Wentz's situation is entering the season—possibly being the odd man out in bubble wrap, sitting, waiting and learning behind Bradford and Daniel.
Wentz didn't exactly admit he's going along with the plan, and publicly his politically correct response was "That's totally out of my control. I'm just out here every day. We have a long camp ahead of us. We have a lot of work to out in, and the biggest thing I'm focused on is helping this team get better and get myself better. I can guarantee that whenever my number is called, I'll be ready."
Then Wentz went back to every day being a process and just improving every day.
He said his biggest surprise is how good the Eagles' locker room is. He likes the make-up of the team. He heard how much the NFL is a business. But now, he was able to put a face to the names.
Then he was asked about a Tweet he sent out about locking himself in a gas station bathroom.
"I thought it was funny," Wentz said. "I'm not going to mention what happened, and I didn't think it would blow up like that. You guys can make up your own stories."
What storyline seems to be forming is that Wentz looks like a leader—and he wants that role. Or is it that Wentz is just happy to be here?
Whether or not he can play quarterback in the NFL is something we'll find out—eventually.
