Jalen Hurts, not Carson Wentz, will be the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles (3-8-1) against the New Orleans Saints (10-2) this Sunday. Doug Pederson announced the move Tuesday, this after benching Wentz for Hurts in the third quarter of the Eagles’ Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Former Eagles Pro Bowl quarterback Randall Cunningham understands the decision.
“I’m more concerned about his health,” Cunningham said on The Zach Gelb Show, referring to Wentz. “When you look at this season, when you look at the injuries and the transition of what the team is going through, it’s one of those years. Coach Pederson has to make a smart decision. Jeffrey Lurie has to make a smart decision. I’d save him. I’d save him. He’s a great player. I think giving him some rest is going to help him for next season without a doubt.”
Wentz finished 6-of-15 for 79 yards and four sacks in a 30-16 loss to Green Bay on Sunday. The second overall pick in 2016, Wentz leads the NFL in sacks (50) and interceptions (15).
“I’m happy to see him not getting banged up and beat up,” Cunningham said. “It’s one of those seasons. Everybody can’t be the New England Patriots and go to the Super Bowl so many times and just keep winning and winning and winning and winning. Sometimes your bodies get beat up. Giving him a couple of games rest and starting off fresh next season, I think it’s going to help our team.”
Still, Wentz probably isn’t happy about the decision.
“He’s a competitor; he does not want to sit on the bench. I can probably speak for him,” Cunningham said. “But right now he’s in a situation where this just might be God giving him a little rest to get him ready for great things.” Hurts, to his credit, looked solid against Green Bay. He finished 5-of-12 for 109 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also ran five times for 29 yards.
Can Wentz learn anything from sitting and watching?
“Not that he needs to go through a humility test, but it’s a humbling experience,” Cunningham said. “He’s going to learn a deeper part of his humility. He’s a humble guy. He’s a big confident, strong leader. I just think he’s going to learn a deeper level of humility.”
The Eagles have lost six of their last eight games, including four straight. They haven’t scored more than 17 points since a Week 8 win over Ben DiNucci and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Eagles could try to trade Wentz in the offseason, but it’s unlikely they would be able to move him due to his contract. Cunningham hopes Wentz gets another crack in Philadelphia next season.
“I’m praying that Carson does not have to leave and the Philly fans will still stay in his corner,” Cunningham said. “But you know how we are in Philly. What have you done for me lately?"