Eagles coordinator weighs in on Carson Wentz
Frank Reich said the second-year quarterbacks mechanics have improved somewhat.
Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich said he did not have any issue with quarterback Carson Wentz working with a private quarterback instructor earlier this offseason, although he downplayed any idea that Wentz made major mechanical changes.
"Believe me, I would have loved to give him a few weeks off of rest and then, 'Come on, let's go, let's get in the lab and let's work' ", Reich said. "Back when I was playing and [Doug] Pederson was playing – that's what we did. We took a little bit of time off and we were back in the building, throwing with receivers and talking to our coaches. But that's fine. It's a different era. You can't do that anymore. Carson is like a lot of our players. They have an itch to get better. If I'm a player, I'm going to find ways to get better."
When asked what changes he saw from Wentz's offseason work, Reich said Wentz's weight transfer and the way his body lines up with his intended target while passing. But he called it a "natural progression with every player," and it's work that Wentz will continue to do.
A similar response was offered when asked if Wentz's release is quicker. Reich said he always thought Wentz had a quick release, and that quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo continues to fine-tune Wentz's mechanics and fundamentals.
"I wish you guys could sit in some of the quarterback meeting rooms and watch the drill tape and see," Reich said. "We pick at everything. That's what we as coaches do, so you pick at everything. We try to find the positive things, reinforce those. If we see something we don't like, you bring it up."
Wentz said it was "hard to say" if his release is quicker this year, and he agreed that he "always had a quick release." But refined mechanics helps the entire passing process.
"I feel more efficient and smoother from my footwork all the way up, but maybe that's a science project to get a stopwatch and figure that one out," Wentz said.
A limited workout for Jernigan
Defensive tackle Tim Jernigan departed Monday's practice because of a sprained ankle. Jernigan has been playing with the first-team defense next to Fletcher Cox. . . . Left tackle Jason Peters, punter Donnie Jones, and defensive end Marcus Smith continue to skip voluntary workouts for the Eagles. . . . Running back LeGarrette Blount missed practice because of an illness. Wide receiver Jordan Matthews (knee) and linebacker Mychal Kendricks (hamstring) were not on the field, but both were nursing injuries last week. . . . Tackle Dillon Gordon watched from the sideline with a hamstring injury, as did rookie center Tyler Orlosky because of a knee injury. Running back Ryan Mathews (neck) and defensive tackle Beau Allen (pectoral) have been out all spring with injuries.
Wright gets 1-year deal
The Eagles signed defensive tackle Gabe Wright to a one-year deal Monday, adding depth to a position that's been thin for the Eagles this spring.
Wright, 25, was a 2015 fourth-round pick by the Detroit Lions. He played for the Lions and Cleveland Browns during his first two NFL seasons and has 10 tackles and no sacks in 12 career games. The Lions drafted him with a pick acquired from the Eagles.
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