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Tuesday UPDATE: After taking over late last week against the Packers, rookie Jalen Hurts will be named the starter for Week14 against the New Orleans Saints, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Philadelphia Eagles will host the NFC leading New Orleans Saints on Sunday, but will Jalen Hurts or Carson Wentz be behind center to start their matchup. Coach Doug Pederson says he has yet to decide, but that the starter will get the bulk of the reps when they practice Wednesday, per the Philly Enquirer’s E.J. Smith.
There of course is no easy answer here, but there is also no doubt that Carson Wentz appears shell shocked behind his team’s weak offensive line. Week 13 appeared to be the tipping point for Pederson, as Wentz and the Eagles trailed 23-3 in the fourth quarter. Wentz had completed 6-of-15 passes for 79 yards and taken four sacks for 22 yards lost before he was pulled.
Hurts quickly showed some spark with a long completion to Jalen Reagor and then on the next possession, hit Greg Ward for a 32-yard touchdown on 4th and 19. It was all sunshine and roses for Hurts, but in come from behind mode, he proved he could handle the pressure as well or better than Wentz. And instead of taking big sacks, Hurts, who was sacked three times, only lost five yards on those plays, as he rushing ability helped him get close to the line of scrimmage.
On the season, Wentz had put up career lows in completion percentage and yards per completion while throwing just 16 touchdowns to 15 interceptions and losing six fumbles. The interceptions best his previous high of 14 thrown his rookie year. At this point, it would seem to be the prudent move to get Wentz on the sideline to gain some perspective while they see if Hurts can do anything.