Doug Pederson says on Monday morning he still hasn't decided on Eagles starting QB
Doug Pederson slept on it. And he still doesn’t know who he’ll start at quarterback in Week 14 against the New Orleans Saints.
At least that’s what the Philadelphia Eagles coach told WIP radio during his weekly spot on Monday morning. Jalen Hurts replaced Carson Wentz after a long overdue benching, and Hurts made some things happen in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Still, changing from a player who was once the second pick of the draft, an MVP candidate and a cornerstone of the franchise is a big move, no matter how much he is struggling.
Doug Pederson: Jalen Hurts gave team ‘a little juice’
Pederson acknowledged what everyone could see, that Hurts gave the Eagles a spark that was lacking as the Eagles fell far behind the Packers with Wentz playing quarterback.
Still, he either hasn’t chosen this week’s quarterback or wasn’t ready to share it with the world.
Doug Pederson, during his morning appearance on WIP, said Jalen Hurts provided "a little energy, a little juice" when inserted into the lineup Sunday. Says he still has not decided who will start against the Saints.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 7, 2020
It’s hard to justify going back to Wentz. Going into Week 13 he led the NFL in interceptions, fumbles and sacks. He has become an unsure quarterback, perhaps due to playing with poor supporting casts the past couple years.
Either way, Wentz has been one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL this season. His decline has been shocking. He has put Pederson and the Eagles in a tough spot with four weeks to go in the season.
What will Eagles do?
In a perfect world, Wentz turns it around and plays like the franchise quarterback he has looked like in the past. He is just 27 years old. Everyone has seen him play at a very high level.
But the Eagles have to consider what’s best for the rest of the season. They’re 3-8-1, not far behind the first-place New York Giants at 5-7. Hurts is a talented second-round rookie, but he still is a rookie. He might struggle too, and you could damage Wentz’s confidence by removing him as the team’s starter.
Then again, it might damage Wentz’s confidence more to keep playing while he’s struggling.
The Eagles are in a difficult position. Changing from Wentz to Hurts might be what most Eagles fans want right now, but there are long-term ramifications with a move like that. Whatever the Eagles decide, it’s a big deal for the franchise.
It makes sense why Pederson would take his time.
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