Pederson has ‘final say’ in unlikely benching of Carson Wentz

Carson Wentz isn’t doing much to instill confidence that he is the right guy to stay under center as the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback.

Another subpar effort on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns that included two interceptions — one a pick-six — in a 22-17 loss to drop to 3-6-1 on the season.

With the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Football Team both winning on Sunday, the Eagles now hold just a half-game lead for the NFC East lead over each of the other three teams in the division.

Wentz’s uninspiring performances have only further amplified the shouts of fans and analysts alike begging to bench the fifth-year passer, which Eagles head coach Doug Pederson reiterated comes down solely to him.

“I have the final say because I am the head coach and I get to make those decisions,” Pederson told 94 WIP on Monday. “But again… it comes with careful consideration, by myself. That will be my decision if that happens.”

Waiting in the wings is backup rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was surprisingly taken in the second round of the 2020 draft and has been used sparingly in Pederson’s system.

The Alabama product has attempted just two passes, completing both, while he’s been used as more of a running threat over his first nine-career appearances.

Expending such a high draft pick on a quarterback, however, suggests that the Eagles could turn to Hurts if Wentz continues to struggle. In 10 games this season, Wentz has failed to eclipse the 240-yard passing mark six times while exhibiting career-worsts in completion-percentage, quarterback rating, and interceptions.

Still, Pederson is moving forward with Wentz under center as the Eagles prepare for a Week 12 matchup against the favored Seattle Seahawks.

“At that position, this late in the season when that happens, sometimes people take that as we are looking into next year or preparing for next season and giving some of these young guys an opportunity to play,” Pederson said. “Jalen is preparing himself each week to play and that’s what a backup quarterback should do. My perspective is we have to get it fixed with Carson Wentz. That’s where my trust and faith lies, we can get it done. That’s where I am at. By no means am I saying that I don’t have trust or faith in Jalen. It’s a matter of getting the corrections done with Carson.”