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5 reasons Carson Wentz is for real

By Adam Jacobs

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts after his 73 yard touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts after his 73 yard touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Al Pereira/New York Jets/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Al Pereira/New York Jets/Getty Images /

1 – Prepares like Peyton Manning

Much has been said about Carson Wentz’s on the field abilities but what truly makes a great NFL quarterback is preparation — and Wentz excels at game preparation and watching game film. “He loves watching tape,” Eagles coach Pederson said in his weekly press conference. He went on to say that Wentz and the other quarterbacks are watching film as early as 5:30 a.m. and he prepares like former MVP Peyton Manning.

Pederson said, “It’s Peyton Manning-ish. You hate to label it. I don’t want to put labels on guys, but that’s how Peyton prepared, and that’s how these top quarterbacks prepare each week, and he has that now as a young quarterback, and that’ll carry him through his career.”

Wentz missed much of the preseason due to two cracked ribs he sustained in a game against the Buccaneers on Thursday August 11.  Missing valuable reps in practice and in the remaining preseason games would’ve left most quarterbacks behind, but not Wentz; he hunkered down and studied relentlessly.  This drive and devotion to his profession remind many of Peyton Manning and his enthusiasm for football.  Wentz has shown his true colors early and many believe it’s just the beginning for the Philadelphia rookie.

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So far, Wentz deserves all the hefty praise he is receiving.  Unless he starts playing like a rookie, why compare him to other rookies? His play has warranted comparison to some of the greats and the last rookie quarterback to earn such comparison is Andrew Luck. Luck was the second coming of Peyton Manning and he’s played very well to this point for the most part. Luck didn’t have a rookie season like Wentz is currently enjoying, though,  and he is now an All-Pro.

It’s truly going to be interesting and exciting to watch how he progresses and if or when he starts to struggle.  Most rookies hit the proverbial wall around Week 12, so let’s see if he can Kool-Aid man through that wall and continue his hot start.

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