Inside the Iggles
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NFL: Philadelphia Eagles meet NFC East rival Washington Redskins

By Regina Ham

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles shakes hands with head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins after the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-22. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles shakes hands with head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins after the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-22. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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It’s pronounced Wentzylvania…..

All eyes Sunday will be on Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. He’s coming back after an up-an-down rookie campaign, and he’s looking more refreshed and ready to tackle his offensive duties. He’s already built chemistry with an ageless Darren Sproles, and many expect that relationship to grow.

Wentz’s weapons:

Sproles is speedy down the field and able to take seemingly easy cues from his quarterback while he’s in the pocket. He’s a stellar return specialist, and that will be a tool for special teams coordinator Dave Fipp to keep in his pocket.

The newest tool Wentz has in his arsenal is wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.  Jeffery ended his career with the Chicago Bears with 304 receptions for  4,549 yards and 26 touchdowns. Trust between quarterback and receiver needs to be developed over time, but the two should manage it well. His strength showed in the preseason games, and that will be something Wentz should be able to utilize.

Wentz underwent something of a transformation over the offseason. The kid is gifted with arm strength, field awareness and mobility that is seen in future NFL Hall of Fame quarterbacks. 2016 saw Wentz put up 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Those weren’t too terribly unexpected numbers from a rookie, yet he’ll need to click with this year’s offensive talent. That may prove to be difficult at first.

He has veteran receivers in Jeffery and Torrey Smith, and that will help provide stability for Wentz. That and his strong leadership skills should make Wentz the man to lead the Eagles into victory, starting with week one.

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