Eagles’ players aren’t due back in the NovaCare Complex for training camp for another two weeks. But as is Carson Wentz’ style, that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start getting ready to win in the fall.
As they have twice during his short tenure as Eagles franchise quarterback, the pass-catchers and the quarterback are meeting to practice throwing, and to build all-important chemistry.
“I think it’s huge. I think it’s big,” Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said at the conclusion of last month’s mini camp. “I think it just shows the leadership that Carson has and the rapport he has with the receivers and the confidence that he has in those guys. It’s something that’s exciting as a coach to know your guys are getting together in these next couple weeks and working on their craft. It means something to them, it’s important to them, and that’s exciting for me.”
New faces Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith, Shelton Gibson and Mack Hollins join a corps already boasting Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor and the group needs to learn fast. Jump-starting chemistry by spending time together on and off the practice field is key to that goal, and the select group of Birds is assembling in Wentz’ native North Dakota for a week of football and fun.
Several key players have checked in on social media, with Matthews appearing on a Facebook live on Jeffery’s page saying to camera: “We out here in North Dakota,” Matthews said. “Ain’t no rap stations on the radio or nothing, baby. Straight bison burgers, country music and red heads. Shout out to Carson Wentz.”
Jeffery announced his arrival:
Fargo, I’m out here for the first time! I keep hearing that I have to try a bison burger. Who’s got the best one out here?
— Alshon Jeffery (@TheWorldof_AJ) July 9, 2017
As did Smith:
Fargo has the nicest folks in America
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) July 10, 2017
As well as a few others:
Update: Eagles WRs Torrey Smith + Shelton Gibson were at the airport (H/t @FlyEaglesFly_43) https://t.co/0qZAAFaeKt pic.twitter.com/KPJDVHItWw
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 10, 2017
