PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Doug Pederson revealed the worst-kept secret in the NFL on Monday: Initially after the Eagles lost in Arizona on Sunday, he wouldn't say who his starting quarterback will be for this Sunday's game in Dallas.
But even Carson Wentz knew the answer would be Jalen Hurts, after his impressive performance in the loss to the Cardinals.
At his press conference Monday, Pederson finally confirmed Hurts will start against the Cowboys.
"I'm going to have Jalen continue to start this week," said Pederson. "Obviously, I'm focused on this week and this week right now. I want to see how our team and he respond after a tough loss (Sunday), so Jalen will be the starter this week."
After Hurts led the Eagles to a victory over New Orleans, Pederson was careful when it came to praising the rookie. He wanted to make it clear the win over the Saints was a team victory, and several players, in addition to Hurts, performed well in the win.
After the Arizona loss, Pederson had more praise for Hurts, who threw for 33 yards and three touchdowns.
"He played mentally and physically tough, which was good to see," he said. "He obviously extended plays with his legs. He had to throw probably more from the pocket (Sunday) because of the nature of the game and getting behind early in the football game."
Hurts also adds another element to the Eagles: The sign of a leader is the ability to raise the level of play of those around him. Pederson said Hurts has given his teammates a spark that has resulted in better performances across the board.
"The guys around him have played better," Pederson noted. "They've elevated their game as well, and they're improving each week. That's all part of, I think, Jalen's success too, is having the guys around him play better."
Even if the Eagles play better, it will likely not be enough to win the NFC East. The Eagles could be eliminated from the division race on Sunday if Washington defeats Carolina.
While each defeat pushes the Eagles closer to elimination from post-season contention, Pederson said his players are still using the division title hunt as motivation.
"We've got to find a way to make it through these next couple of weeks," Pederson said. "It's going to be tough. It's two division opponents — Dallas and Washington — and it's never easy with our division. As crazy as it sounds, it gives the guys a little bit of hope moving forward here in the next couple of weeks."
