Eagles Open as 6.5-Point Underdogs vs. Saints After Benching Carson Wentz

• Eagles benched QB Carson Wentz in favor of Jalen Hurts during Sunday’s 30-16 loss vs. Packers
• Head coach Doug Pederson has not committed to naming either player as his starter next week
• Eagles open as underdogs at New Orleans in Week 14

The Eagles head coach Doug Pederson finally pulled the plug on Carson Wentz during the team’s 30-16 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Wentz was replaced by rookie Jalen Hurts at quarterback midway through the third quarter after Philly’s offense was able to muster just three points through the first 38 minutes of the game.

Hurts took over on the Eagles’ second drive of the second half. He finished the game 5-for-12 throwing with 109 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also ran the ball five times for another 29 yards. Wentz finished the game just 6-of-15 with 79 yards. He was also sacked four times.

While replacing Wentz with Hurts wasn’t enough to help Philly stage a dramatic comeback, the offense did look slightly more threatening with Hurts under center. The rookie connected with Greg Ward on a 32-yard touchdown halfway through the fourth quarter on a fourth-down play. The Eagles also got a 73-yard punt return touchdown from another rookie, Jalen Reagor.

The Philadelphia Eagles put some pressure on Green Bay, but their comeback attempt came to an end when Packers running back Aaron Jones scampered 77 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth. Hurts was intercepted on the Eagles’ ensuing possession.

Wentz’ Struggles

While Wentz was an MVP frontrunner before tearing his ACL a couple of years ago, the former No. 2 overall pick has struggled mightily so far in 2020. Wentz has completed a career-worst 57.2 percent of his throws for 2,620 yards and 16 touchdown passes. He has also already set a career-high with 15 interceptions.

A rash of injuries, particularly on offense, has hampered the Eagles all year long.

Philadelphia dropped to 3-8-1 on the year with Sunday’s loss, though they are still very much in the hunt for the NFC East thanks to the overall lack of quality in the division. Jason Peters, Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Miles Sanders, Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, and Marquise Goodwin are among the Eagles are among Philly’s offensive players that have missed time due to injury already this season.

Philadelphia has allowed 53 sacks already this season, which is easily the most in the NFL. Bengals quarterbacks have been sacked 44 times, which ranks a distant second. Hurts was sacked three times after entering Sunday’s game.

No Commitment From Pederson

While Hurts played decently on Sunday, Pederson would not commit to naming the rookie as the team’s full-time starter moving forward. The coach said,

“I’ve got to get through injuries, I’ve got to get through the tape, there’s a lot of things that I’m going to consider and evaluate before anything is decided.”

Hurts had played sparingly as a change-of-pace option before taking over for Wentz on Sunday. The Alabama and Oklahoma product has done most of his damage with his legs, with 17 carries for 82 yards on the season. He has also completed eight of his 15 total pass attempts for 142 yards. Sunday’s TD strike to Ward was the first touchdown of his NFL career. Hurts had played 33 total snaps before entering Sunday’s game.

Wentz struggled mightily during the Eagles’ loss to the Seahawks last Monday night, which led to media speculation about when Hurts may get the nod. Philadelphia raised eyebrows when Hurts was taken with one of the team’s second-round picks in April’s draft.

Hurts finished second in Heisman Trophy voting last season behind LSU’s Joe Burrow. In his first season with Oklahoma, Hurts threw 32 touchdowns and rushed for 20 more.

Jalen Hurts’ 1st career TD pass🎯

pic.twitter.com/IiqftsvNw0

— PFF (@PFF) December 6, 2020

Last June, Wentz agreed to a four-year extension worth $128 million. His average salary in excess of $32 million makes him one of the 10 highest-paid players in all of football. About $67 million of his deal is guaranteed.

Eagles Still Alive in NFC East

The loss to Green Bay dropped Philadelphia to third place in the NFC East. The Giants improved to a division-best 5-7 with an upset win over the Seahawks on Sunday, while Washington (4-7) will face the Steelers on Monday afternoon.

Hurts may get his first NFL start on Sunday when the Eagles host the red-hot New Orleans Saints. While New Orleans is playing with a backup quarterback of their own in Taysom Hill, the Saints enter the game as winners of eight consecutive games. The 10-2 Saints clinched a playoff berth with their 21-16 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

Philadelphia will close out the season with road games at Arizona and Dallas before their season finale at home against Washington in Week 17.