Colts: Carson Wentz’s latest gesture proves he’s dedicated

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 33-26. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 33-26. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

You don’t have to tell brand new Colts QB Carson Wentz that he’s got plenty to prove after regressing in 2020.

Months ahead of training camp and well past the required deadline, he’s already working to prove such things at Indy’s facility this week.

Back with Frank Reich in Indianapolis, Wentz seems likely to at least halt his regression in its tracks if not outright bounce back immediately with a season more in line with his 2017 MVP campaign. After all, this well-orchestrated offense can do a lot to help a quarterback, as long as the Colts didn’t allow Nick Sirianni to copyright their entire playbook when he took the Eagles job.

The success of the Wentz-Reich marriage could very well determine the decorated head coach’s future in Indianapolis, considering how prominently he advocated that his magic could help bring the signal caller back.

So far, so good in terms of QB comfort level; Wentz was spotted staying overtime at practice this week, which was supposed to be only for rookies.

Maybe he feels like one? Maybe, like a kid on an excellent sleepover, he just doesn’t want this to end?

Colts QB Carson Wentz was spotted getting extra work in at Indy’s camp.

Now, there’s nothing to be gleaned here other than Wentz thinks he needs as many reps as possible to get synced up with his old offensive coordinator. However, it’s also quite encouraging that Wentz knew there was about to be a week of nothing but rookies, and he decided it was worth his time to stick around and build a rapport with the kids.

And these are some pretty green rookies. The Colts’ first two draft picks were pass rushers, and the only offensive weapons they selected were fourth-round tight end Kylen Granson and seventh-round wideout Michael Strachan. Clearly, Wentz cares more about personality than pedigree.

Any edge he can get, the better coming off a lost year that removed a good portion of his shine.

Per sources, there was one more veteran spotted this week at “Rookies Only” camp: Parris Campbell, who also needs a big year in 2021.

The more face time Campbell gets with Wentz, the better, too.

If Indianapolis is going to reach their ceiling in 2021, that’ll mean Wentz used his ample protection up front to work magic down the field instead of overthrowing his targets. In some ways, the QB makes the system. In other ways, practice makes the heart grow more comfortable.

Let’s see if this magical Philly connection comes back quickly.

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