PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has chosen Jalen Hurts instead of Carson Wentz to start as quarterback against the Saints on Sunday.
Peterson told Eagles insider Dave Spadaro on the team's website that he needed a day to remove himself from the loss to the Packers last Sunday before making this decision himself. He says his reason for benching Wentz this coming Sunday is similar to his reason for benching him last Sunday: "to look for that spark again, to try to get the team over the hump, to try to get everybody playing better."
The Saints defense is at the top of the league. What does Pederson hope for from his rookie quarterback?
"Just want to see development," Pederson said. "I think it's a great opportunity for him, a great opportunity for the team."
But on the other side, there is Wentz, the franchise quarterback, to whom the Eagles gave a historic extension about a year and a half ago. Pederson said he has "a lot of faith and trust in Carson," and he sees him as a quarterback getting back to the elite level he is known for.
"He's disappointed. He's frustrated," Pederson said. "He's been a professional through it all. You know, he supports his teammates, and you know, that's what you want to see from the leader of the team."
Peterson explained his decision is only for this week, and right now, he's not looking ahead towards any of the other three games.
In his talk with Angelo Cataldi on SportsRadio 94WIP on Wednesday morining, defensive end Brandon Graham said he understands Pederson's decision, acknowledging that Hurts brings an extra element of mobility.
"I know what it's like," he said, "being in a situation where you're a first rounder and things are not happening early. You've just got to make sure that you just continue to keep fighting, keep working and, you know, lean on your teammates more. Because you've definitely got people that want to help you through this."