It’s been an rollercoaster of a week for the Philadelphia Eagles..but after a lot of speculation, it’s official. Carson Wentz will start against the Cleveland Browns in the season opener this Sunday.
Coach Pederson names Carson Wentz the starter for Week 1 versus Cleveland. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/KQUZiGsysD
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 5, 2016
Coach Pederson: I'm excited. I'm thrilled. It's an opportunity for him and an opportunity for our football team.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 5, 2016
The preseason development of Carson Wentz was stunted by a hairline fracture to his ribs in his debut against the Buccaneers, sidelining him for the remaining three games. Wentz threw for 89 yards, completing 12/24 passes behind a wobbly Offensive line. That didn’t stop him from impressing the coaching staff however, something that has reoccured throughout the summer.
Doug Pederson say that he knew Carson Wentz could be this team's starting QB as early as this year 'Way back in rookie minicamp.' #Eagles
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) September 5, 2016
Chase Daniel seemed to struggle in preseason which may have been a factor in the decision to put Wentz in the heart of the action so soon. Daniel will remain the team’s backup quarterback, but the Eagles will look to add a third quarterback (most likely to their practice squad) somewhere down the line.
Coach Pederson: Chase Daniel is a team player and he's been a great mentor for Carson. I feel really comfortable with where we are.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 5, 2016
Sam Bradford was traded to the Minnesota Vikings earlier this week in a move that took the league by surprise. The reins have been passed straight down to the second overall pick, who after a developmental summer, will now lead the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016.
Photo credit: Associated Press