NFC Notes: Eagles, Panthers, Washington

Eagles

Eagles QB Carson Wentz said he respects WR Marquise Goodwin‘s decision to opt out of the 2020 season and talked to him earlier this week. 

“Completely respect the guys that decide to opt-out for personal reasons, family reasons, health reasons,” Wentz said. “Like Marquise Goodwin, I talked to him the other day. I totally respect his decision. Obviously, I’m bummed that I won’t be able to play with him but fully respect those guys’ decisions.”

Wentz said he will help Eagles’ second-round QB Jalen Hurts adjust to the NFL. 

“I’ll be here for him, help him understand the ins and outs of the game and ultimately do whatever I can to help the team and that’s to help bring him along as well,” said Wentz. 

Wentz mentioned that he feels like a veteran now that he is entering his fifth year in the NFL. 

“Obviously, as a quarterback, you’re always thrust into leadership,” Wentz said. “But, I think the vocal side of that leadership role comes with time. For me, this is going into my fifth year — still seems crazy to say this is my fifth year — definitely feel like a veteran now, but those things kind of come with age and experience.”

As for things Wentz is working on improving, the quarterback said he must limit turnovers, be comfortable in the pocket, extending plays, and noticing when plays are collapsing. 

“For me, personally, just taking care of the ball,” Wentz said. “I’ve limited the interceptions over the years, I’ve just got to keep getting better at in the pocket, holding onto the ball, trying to extend plays, knowing when to say die, knowing when to stretch the play out.”

Panthers

• Per the Athletic’s Joe Person, Panthers DT Kawann Short said he feels healthy coming off of season-ending shoulder surgery and having to work outside in the heat without access to the team facility made it easy “to get out and shed some pounds.”

Washington

• According to NBC Sports’ JP Finlay, Washington QB Alex Smith participated in four straight days of workouts on the field with trainers and performed well without any setbacks. 
• Smith was cleared by his medical team to start football activities again but he remains on the team’s PUP list while Washington assesses how his recovery from a severely broken leg has progressed. 
• Washington DBs coach Chris Harris said he is excited to use S Landon Collins in blitz packages. (Rhiannon Walker)