as a leader on and off the field." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesBleeding Green Nation homepageHorizontal - WhiteBleeding Green Nationa Philadelphia Eagles communityFollow Bleeding Green Nation online:Follow Bleeding Green Nation on TwitterFollow Bleeding Green Nation on FacebookLog in or sign upLog InSign UpSite searchSearchSearchBleeding Green Nation main menuFanpostsFanshotsEaglesOddsAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 321 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Eagles StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Eagles NewsYahoo Eagles Team PageYahoo Eagles ReportYahoo Eagles Depth ChartYahoo Eagles TransactionsYahoo Eagles PhotosOdds About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub ✕Carson Wentz talks about importance of playing in the preseason Stefen Wisniewski Jersey , Miles Sanders, and moreNew,10commentsThe Eagles QB also touched on his role as a leader on and off the field.EDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:Carson Wentz talks about importance of playing in the preseason, Miles Sanders, and moreTwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailCarson Wentz talked to the media after the Eagles’ training camp practice on Saturday and explained his views on the importance of preseason game reps, how Miles Sanders is developing, and what he’s seen so far from both the offense and defense.On the value of the preseasonWentz was asked his personal views on whether preseason game reps are important.He noted that it’s good to get out there with the guys for a couple of plays and maybe take a hit or two to get used to that, but he’s fine with playing or not in the preseason.Wentz said that Coach Pederson does a good job of structuring practice in a way that puts them in pretty similar to live situations and making it feel like a game environment. He admitted that nothing is going to be quite the same as a game — especially when you’re wearing a red jersey in practice — but a lot can be done to make it feel like a game.On Miles SandersWentz was asked to comment on what he’s seen so far from Sanders, not just as a running back http://www.eagleslockerroom.com/authentic-carson-wentz-jersey , but also how he’s carried himself as a rookie.Later on, Wentz said that obviously you saw Sanders as a runner coming out of college, but now they’re seeing his versatility as a pass-catcher as well. The QB is excited to see Sanders pass-protect and split him out in some empty sets, and see what all he can do.On the state of the defenseWentz has spent the past week throwing against Sidney Jones, Rasul Douglas and Avonte Maddox, and was asked what he’s seen from that trio so far. The QB said they’ve looked, especially with Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby not out there right now, those three are getting the bulk of the reps.He also admitted that they’re making life difficult, along with the safeties and really Womens Isaac Seumalo Jersey , the defense as a whole is solid. Wentz noted that they present some really difficult looks, bluff a lot of things, and really challenge the offense.On expectations of the offenseWentz noted that his connection with Alshon Jeffery can always improve — as it can with anybody —, but that heading into Year 3 they’ve grown a lot in the ways they communicate and review film and work together to understand each other better on and off the field. He emphasized that the pair has developed a really good relationship and that it continues to get better.The QB said that understanding how a receiver is going to run a particular route against a certain kind of defense is important with everyone, but with Jeffery specifically because he can do some of the back-shoulder options he provides.Wentz was also asked about what he thinks the identity of the offense will be this season, particularly with so many weapons. He talked about how that’s a big part of training camp, figuring out how they’re going to use everybody and finding the best roles for each guy in the offense. The QB said that at any point one guy could have a monster day and then it changes each week, but they’re going to be strategic in their game planning for each matchup.Other notablesThe QB was asked again about how his leadership has grown over the past few seasons, and Wentz noted that it’s grown organically Chuck Bednarik Jersey , as it’s expected to as he gets more comfortable with the guys and the organization. He said he’s really just trying to get everyone involved, and spread that influence and connection to the defense and special teams as well.He was also asked about that report that Phillies’ Andrew McCutchen reached out prior to his ACL surgery. Wentz said they talked a bit about the process and doctors and what to expect in that regard. The QB didn’t hold back, and said “It sucks” and it’s always hard to see guys go through something like that.Wentz said that open practices are exciting for the players. Going through training camp, things can get monotonous, and to be able to change it up and get a different energy gives them a little extra boost.The QB also noted that he does have some flexibility in games to switch up the calls, but that he works closely with Coach Pederson, Groh and Taylor in game planning, and that how often he changes things at the line varies depending on the competition and what he might be seeing. The running back position has been devalued in the NFL in recent years, but one running back appears poised to be snapped up no later than the end of the first round.Alabama running back Josh Jacobs has been mocked to draft slots in the 20s in most mock drafts http://www.eagleslockerroom.com/authentic-herman-edwards-jersey , with the Raiders (who own picks 24 and 27) appearing to like him and the Eagles and Colts (25th and 26th) high on him as well.In his mock draft, Peter King projected the Raiders trading up to 21st to take Jacobs. Oakland may think it has to move up to 24 to keep some other team from leapfrogging it.The Raiders are reportedly poised to do something surprising, but taking Jacobs at No. 4 overall would be stunning, not just surprising.Still, for as much as the NFL has become a passing league and not a running league, teams continue to draft running backs. Last year Saquon Barkley went second overall, Rashaad Penny 27th and Sony Michel 31st. Jacobs surely won’t go as high as Barkley did last year, but he seems likely to be off the board as early as Penny was last year.