At 1st Chiefs camp, Carson Wentz says this stands out about Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid

Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Carson Wentz has been in training camps with three other teams during his eight previous NFL seasons.

None of them, he says, has been quite like what he’s experienced with Chiefs coach Andy Reid on Missouri Western’s campus.

“Well, we’re an hour away (from the team facility), so that’s different. This is my first time in a dorm room, which is different,” Wentz said with a laugh. “But I just think he runs the thing so well.”

Wentz, 31, signed this offseason with KC to be Patrick Mahomes’ backup QB.

Since then — and especially in St. Joseph — he’s learned much more about Mahomes and Reid.

So what stands out about Mahomes?

“He’s pretty good, not that I needed to learn that physically being here,” Wentz said, smiling. “Just the way he sees the game is unique, and the way he plays and just the anticipation he plays with. Sometimes it’s maybe not the main throw on a play, but he’s making things work.”

One time Mahomes did that in Friday’s practice was during a scramble drill, as he wrist-flicked a pass across his body to receiver Mecole Hardman for a completion.

Wentz, whose style has included some creativity like that in the past, said he had an appreciation for these types of Mahomes plays.

“He’s just a kid out there playing ball, having fun,” Wentz said, “and I think that’s when he’s at his best.”

Wentz has also been impressed with Reid and how he conducts his training camp. The QB said it was evident early on that “everybody here has the utmost respect” for Reid.

“The first thing I noticed is just how he does things. There’s a reason behind everything,” Wentz said. Whether guys like it or not, it’s training camp. It’s a grind. And I’ve got a lot of respect for how he does things and the routine behind it.”

Some of that has been an adjustment for Wentz; for example, he’s had some extended time away from his wife, Madison, and their three daughters.

Wentz still has seen the benefits the Chiefs get from being together so often.

“You’re gonna get to spend all day every day with the guys and build that camaraderie, build those relationships, whether it’s in the locker room cafeteria, at the dorm rooms, all those things,” Wentz said. “So it’s been really unique in that way.”

Another change? Wentz says he’s liked practicing in front of Chiefs fans every day, which has provided extra encouragement with people cheering and yelling.

Working to learn the Chiefs’ offense also has challenged him intellectually. He said the team’s scheme is similar to what he had with the Eagles early in his career, though this version has “evolved quite a bit.”

“I think just the way we utilize crossers (on routes) and utilize things and really do a lot of things that Pat excels at and how they come to life out here ... it’s fun to be a part of it and be in the X’s and O’s meetings and just the ‘whys’ behind the things,” Wentz said. “And so trying to just learn as much as I can and be a part of it, but it’s pretty cool how they do things.”

Wentz sees lots of possibilities for the team given its receiving weapons. He said this year’s Chiefs offense was “faster than any team I’ve been a part of.”

Reid said he’d liked how Wentz had performed for the Chiefs in early drills.

“He’s got a real good feel for the game,” Reid said. “Smart kid — real smart — and has picked it up quickly.”

It remains to be seen how much KC will play Wentz during its upcoming preseason games. For his part, Wentz said he was willing to go out there as much or little as Reid needed.

“I’m excited for whatever opportunity comes my way,” Wentz said, “and I’ll be ready either way.”