Ertz believes ‘Wentz improvement’ reports are way overblown
PHILADELPHIA » Much has been made of Carson Wentz’s tighter delivery stemming partly from outside work with a throwing coach.
Too much, according to teammate Zach Ertz, who knows Wentz better than anyone, including their mutual buddy from Millville, N.J., Mike Trout.
Yes, Wentz sought from a professional.
Obviously it was an admission of mechanical issues.
But it’s not like Wentz, who threw for 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, had the worst season of any Eagles rookie quarterback. Donovan McNabb had eight touchdowns and seven interceptions largely in six starts with the Eagles in 1999.
“From a pure throwing standpoint I haven’t noticed too much,” said Ertz, who led the Birds with 78 receptions last year. “I don’t know if it’s more the rehab, the postpractice stuff that he learned or what he’s changed. But it seems like he’s throwing a help great ball right now. It’s really solid, easy to catch and right to spots.”
There is a modest difference, at least at this point of the offseason. Former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski first observed the tighter delivery. That obviously impacts the rapid release.
So when Ertz and someone like Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich say they don’t see anything different in Wentz’s delivery, that’s in terms of major changes.
Reich, by the way, is OK with the throwing coach. Head coach Doug Pederson is, as well, per a source although he was portrayed as being against the concept.
Reich and Pederson think Wentz’s footwork has improved.
“My second year in the league I went to a blocking coach,” Ertz said. “The offseason rules are pretty tough. There’s not a lot of time to spend with the coaches so you’re going to go look to outside sources. You’re not even allowed to be with the coaches. You’re not allowed to talk to them. So I think any avenue you can use to get better, that’s what you have to do in this league.”
Ertz studied the art of blocking under Hudson Houck, the renowned offensive line coach of the Cowboys. It’s probably a good thing Ertz didn’t make a big deal out of the distant Cowboy connection because last year he was wrongly accused of avoiding a block in a loss to the Bengals.
This year Ertz is Wentz’s security blanket. The genuine chemistry they have is clear every time the first team offense hits the field.
“I think Carson’s always thrown a very catchable ball,” Ertz said. “From my end, that really hasn’t changed. From a vocal and leadership standpoint I think he’s definitely taken the next step.”
Wentz still doesn’t take questions about his throwing mechanics seriously. Not from sports reporters, at least.
“I feel I’ve always had a quick release,” Wentz said. “I feel more efficient and smoother with just everything from my footwork all the way up. But maybe that’s a science project. Get a stopwatch out there and figure that one out.” Yeah, thanks pal. Now that Wentz mentioned it, there’s this Next Gen Sports stats thing where Wentz ranks 32nd among NFL quarterbacks in the average time it takes to release the ball after taking the snap. Obviously the 2.65 seconds takes into account broken plays.
Now teammate Nick Foles averaged a league-leading 2.36 seconds in that department last year filling in for Alex Smith with the Chiefs. Smith was second in 2.38 seconds, illustrating how a system with short drops and quick throws influences the stat.
Matt Ryan, the league’s MVP, ranked 30th in average time to release at 2.64 seconds.
Foles, by the way, looks technically advanced from his days with the Eagles. It’s been interesting comparing the footwork of Foles and Wentz in side by side passing drills. Foles clearly is smoother and a little more compact. You can see it in the video footage.
“That’s what experience does for you,” a former NFL player said.
Which brings us to our final point. Wentz, Foles and Matt McGloin critique all of the throws they make at practices during film study in the quarterbacks room. Foles’ motion is a lot like Wentz’s … or vice versa. Wentz wouldn’t be the first guy to improve after studying the finer points from an older guy who’s gotten it done.
“As a quarterback, as an athlete he’s tremendous,” Foles said of Wentz. “Especially going into year two with the cerebral part of the game. He understands the game. From a physical aspect, the way he moves, the way he throws is awesome. And then just as a person, he’s a great individual to be around and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
The bottom line is that Wentz thinks he’s improved, even if he declined to explain specifically where that’s occurred.
“I definitely feel like I’m better,” Wentz said. “By no means am I where I want to be. That’s the goal of the offseason. To find what your weaknesses are and just overall get more consistent with your game.”