Doug Pederson isn’t ready to commit to starting Carson Wentz or Jalen Hurts at quarterback.
The Philadelphia Eagles (3-8-1) have lost four in a row and are headed nowhere in the NFC East, even though they’re still within 1 1/2 games of the first-place New York Giants (5-7).
Wentz was benched in the second half of a 30-16 loss at Green Bay on Sunday following another subpar performance during the worst season of his five-year career. Hurts provided a spark against a defense that played softer coverage with a 20-point lead. He tossed a 32-yard touchdown pass but also threw an interception and was sacked three times after the Packers went back to their aggressive scheme.
“I’m still processing a lot of things and going through a lot of things before I make that decision,” Pederson said Monday.
Pederson made it clear he has final say on the decision and he’s not seeking much input.
“This will be my decision,” he said. “I don’t feel like I need to communicate with anybody, players, other coaches. I think it’s just, again, it’s obviously my decision, the opportunity that I have moving forward, and it will solely be up to me.”
Wentz signed a $128 million, four-year contract extension that kicks in next season. Hurts was a second-round pick this year. Pederson’s decision affects the team’s future, so owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman will want to provide their thoughts.
“He and I are definitely in a situation that we’ve got to work ourselves out of,” Pederson said. “My job is to help him and to help him improve and to get better and to help this football team win. My job is also to take and look at the big picture, too, and look at the entire football team, right? Those are all things that I’ve got to consider as we move forward.”
Pederson and Wentz came to Philadelphia in 2016. They led the Eagles to the franchise’s only Super Bowl title in 2017. Wentz was 11-2 before a knee injury forced him to watch Nick Foles lead the Eagles through the playoffs and victory over New England.
Wentz finished third in NFL MVP voting that season, and last year he became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 4,000 yards without one wide receiver having 500 yards receiving.
But Wentz has struggled this season. He has a career-low 72.8 passer rating and 19 turnovers, including 15 interceptions. He hasn’t had much help. The injury-depleted offensive line has allowed 53 sacks, and his young, inexperienced receivers often aren’t open.
“I’m not going to sit here and point the finger or point blame, especially at the quarterback position, because there’s enough to go around,” Pederson said.
WHAT’S WORKING
Hurts or Wentz scrambling after protection breaks down and they have nowhere to throw has been Philadelphia’s best hope at moving the chains. The duo combined for 47 yards rushing.
NEEDS HELP
The entire offense, from a line that allowed seven more sacks to receivers who struggle to get open to the quarterbacks missing throws.
STOCK UP
First-round pick Jalen Reagor returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown. He caught one pass for 34 yards from Hurts.
STOCK DOWN
Wentz has gone from franchise quarterback and MVP contender to the bench in three seasons.
INJURED
Pederson said linebacker Davion Taylor (knee) will miss some time and he’s waiting on a report on left guard Jason Peters (foot). He said linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) will be limited in practice this week. Cornerback Darius Slay (knee) should be fine.
KEY NUMBER
17 - Jake Elliott missed an extra point in the fourth quarter that prevented the Eagles from scoring 17 points in four straight games.
NEXT STEPS
The Eagles host the NFC-leading New Orleans Saints (10-2) on Sunday. The Saints have won nine straight games and already clinched a playoff berth.
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