Eagles Hold First Open Practice Of The Summer At The Linc
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Even Carson Wentz admitted he was taken back by a crowd that came to watch a practice.
The Eagles held an open workout at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. It was the first chance for the fans to get a look at the 2016 Eagles up close. The team went through a two-hour practice, and the players took time to mingle with the crowd and sign autographs after the practice session. Wentz said it was a good taste of what he can expect in Philadelphia.
"It's exciting," said Wentz. "I was a little surprised to be honest how many people were here for a practice. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I guess I'm getting used to the craziness that this place is."
A crowd of 18,276 was in attendance Sunday to watch the Eagles go through another training camp workout. It was the first of two scheduled open practices at the Linc, with the second set for the evening of August 14th. Wide Receiver Jordan Matthews like how the open practice breaks up the daily grind of training camp.
"It's always good to set up in a different type of atmosphere," Matthews said. "You practice at NovaCare and you practice in the indoor, then you go out to the stadium. By the time it gets to the game, we've put ourselves through so many different conditions that it's so much easier to adapt."
Lane Johnson is entering his fourth season with the Eagles. The offensive lineman always enjoys coming out to practice at the Linc, and had a chance to prepare several of the younger Eagles for the atmosphere in South Philadelphia.
"It never gets old," said Johnson. I was talking to a bunch of the rookies and guys that have never been on this field and get to experience this. You see the flash in their eyes, and it never gets old for me as well."
Wentz is hoping the experience of the Linc won't get old for him anytime soon. The Eagles will play their first preseason game at home on August 11th, with the regular season opener set for September 11th at home against Cleveland. Wentz was already taken back by a crowd of just over 18,000, so the rookie had time to reflect about what it will be like playing in front of a sold-out stadium.
"It's right around the corner," Wentz said. "Coming out here just to these fans was sweet, and I can't imagine this place packed."