Eagles: Doug Pederson still won’t fully commit to Jalen Hurts

Head coach Doug Pederson won’t just name Jalen Hurts the starting quarterback for the Eagles over Carson Wentz.

The Philadelphia Eagles took the chance on Jalen Hurts starting against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The quarterback change didn’t result in a victory, but it did spark an offense badly in need of sparkling.

Someone needs to tell head coach Doug Pederson.

The Eagles‘ head coach still won’t commit to Jalen Hurts, punting a decision on the starter for next week to Monday.

“I thought he had great poise, great leadership, played physically tough, mentally tough, made some really good throws down the stretch. I’ll probably have a decision for you tomorrow on next week,” Pederson was quoted by Pro Football Talk.

Doug Pederson and the Eagles should admit Jalen Hurts is their guy.

It’s plain to see why Hurts is the better choice over Carson Wentz. The incumbent starter threw 15 interceptions in 12 weeks of action. Hurts kept it out of the hands of the defense when he started the 33-26 loss to the Cardinals.

Wentz hadn’t thrown more than two touchdowns in a game in 2020. Hurts had three on Sunday.

Under Wentz’s leadership, the Eagles offense was averaging 22.5 points per game. Hurts came in and generated 26 points this week.

Wentz maintained a quarterback rating of 72.8. Hurts delivered a rating of 102.3.

Sure, benching Wentz full time will cause drama, but what’s best for the team is clearly Hurts at quarterback. Wentz has had 12 weeks to prove he’s the guy. He’s not. The sooner Pederson recognizes that, the better.

The Eagles picked up Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft after he starred for Alabama and Oklahoma in college. He wasn’t judged to be a first-round talent but he’s been a bonafide winner everywhere he’s gone.