After the first practice of Washington’s 2022 training camp concluded Wednesday, head coach Ron Rivera, quarterback Carson Wentz and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen took turns speaking to the media.
Being it was the first day of training camp, there were smiles and laughs, and Wentz, in particular, appeared comfortable and happy. Rivera praised his new quarterback, particularly for how well he’s learning the offense.
“Real happy with his retention, the way he is handling the huddles, breaking the huddles,” Rivera said of Wentz.
Finally, it was Allen’s time to talk about his new teammate. The respected team captain praised Wentz in the spring, noting how Wentz has done everything right as a teammate, even questioning many of the anonymous reports knocking Wentz’s character.
On Wednesday, he was asked if he had any questions for Wentz. As usual, Allen’s answer was straightforward and honest.
“I really don’t need to ask him any questions,” Allen answered. “What he does on a day-to-day basis will tell me everything I need to know about him. He came in, he worked, he involved himself with the team, and he’s exactly what we want from a quarterback.”
Allen always gives the best answers. And he wasn’t done.
“I know a lot of the times the media doesn’t really get the full story, only the story that some people portray. I’m not worried about what the media says. I’m worried about what I see with my own eyes. He’s given me no reason to doubt him at all.”
That’s in line with what Allen said about Wentz during the spring.
Wentz’s new teammates haven’t just said what they needed to say about him, there appears to be genuine excitement for the former No. 2 overall pick. And Allen’s stamp of approval means something in Washington.