Mike Groh says Carson Wentz has had a “tremendous camp” and talks Cody Kessler, Clayton Thorson

Eagles’ offensive coordinator Mike Groh spoke to the media for the last time before the team’s second preseason game on Tuesday, and talked a bit about DeSean Jackson’s many skills and touched on some things he’s seen from all the position groups.

Groh also opened his press conference by offering heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Pittsburgh Steelers WR Coach Darryl Drake, who passed away Sunday morning.

Here’s all the OC had to say:

On the wide receivers

DeSean Jackson

Everyone talks about Jackson’s ability as a deep threat, but Groh was asked what else the wideout does well that often gets overlooked.

“DeSean is a complete player. He can do anything that he wants. As a coach, it’s really exciting, because you can just say ‘Hey, can you run this route? Or can you do it like this?’ and you can just tell him and he can do it. So, from a coaching standpoint, that makes it really easy.

We’re just trying to move him around and have him do a bunch of different things, because he is such a weapon.”

Groh also noted that Jackson is still one of the fastest guys in the league — even compared to when he was a rookie — and is still playing at an elite-speed level. He pointed out that Jackson is one of the fastest players on the field each and every practice, and they have the utmost confidence in his ability.

Mack Hollins update

Groh said that they are still gradually working him back in, and just pushing him as much as the trainers say they can on a day-by-day basis. He wouldn’t answer on specifics they want or need to see from Hollins, with Groh just emphasizing that he needs to be healthy first and foremost.

On the young WRs

Groh said that it was an up and down game, but those young/new guys — including Charles Johnson — made some plays, but it’s not just the games they are evaluating, it’s the total body of work.

“But, it was a good start for some of them.”

Specifically about rookie JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Groh said that he’s been able to come in and learn, and pick up what the Eagles offense does. He’s made very few errors from that standpoint and now he’s got that foundation to build on from a technical standpoint.

On the QBs

Carson Wentz

“I think he’s had a tremendous camp, I really do. He’s come out here to work, he’s playing fast, communicating great with everybody. Made a lot of really, really good throws, completion percentage is very high. I think he’s had a very productive camp.”

Clayton Thorson

Groh was asked how the rookie QB has responded from a performance that he wasn’t particularly happy with last Thursday. The OC said that Thorson has responded well and has just come back to work like normal. He also pointed out that part of being a rookie quarterback in this league is having up and down games, but Thorson has put together a couple good days since returning to practice.

Cody Kessler

Groh noted that Kessler getting extra reps was certainly helping, rather than having to split them with Nate Sudfeld like he did early in camp. The OC also talked about how they didn’t bring Cody in until later in the Spring, so he hasn’t had that much of a head start on Thorson.

He was also asked how it helps that Kessler has NFL experience:

“Having been through a couple different systems, you build up a background with the language, and also the concepts. A lot of these pass concepts, they overlap in different systems, so he has familiarity with maybe the progression and those kinds of things that help him settle in. It’s just a different language and learning the language.”

On the RB room

Groh was asked about Josh Adams and how his skillset may add value to what has become a loaded backfield, and what he has to do to make the team.

“Well, he just has to come out here everyday and, first of all, do his job, be assignment sound, and run the way we know that Josh is capable of running. Obviously, we’re spreading the ball around right now, trying to evaluate everybody and make the most of his opportunities when he gets them.”

On the TE group

The OC was asked what he likes about Josh Perkins game:

“He’s a big body, he’s a very good athlete. He’s got very good short-area quickness and long speed and catch radius. And, he’s not afraid to put his face on people in the run game.”

Groh also talked a bit about Alex Ellis — who had some nice catches in Monday’s practice:

“He’s invested a lot of time in trying to learn what to do, so a credit to him and Justin [Peelle, TE coach] getting together and getting him caught up in a short amount of time. This guy loves football and he competes. He’s tough and I think each and every day he’s out here, he’s get that much more comfortable. So, he’s a good pickup by Howie and Andy.”

On seeing Nick Foles on Thursday

“We certainly still appreciate everything that Nick did while he was here as an Eagle, and we had a lot of success with Nick. Know that he’s moved on, and wish him all the best there in Jacksonville. Obviously, he still has a lot of friendships here, and looking forward to seeing him before the game.”