After the Eagles’ loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, head coach Doug Pederson sidestepped a question on if he had the authority to bench quarterback Carson Wentz.
On Monday, he was asked again by Angelo Cataldi on SportsRadio 94WIP — and his answer this time was definitive.
"I have the final say because I am the head coach and I get to make those decisions," explained Pederson. "But again Angelo, it comes with careful consideration, by myself. That will be my decision if that happens."
Wentz turned in another rough performance on Sunday, throwing two interceptions and taking a bad sack in the end zone that resulted in a safety. The offense looked broken for another week with Wentz under center, as they managed just 17 points, the second-straight week they have failed to reach 20.
As of now, however, Pederson is making it clear that he has no intention of benching Wentz, insisting he believes it would send the wrong message to the team.
"At that position, this late in the season when that happens, sometimes people take that as we are looking into next year or preparing for next season and giving some of these young guys an opportunity to play. Jalen is preparing himself each week to play and that's what a backup quarterback should do. My perspective is we have to get it fixed with Carson Wentz. That's where my trust and faith lies, we can get it done. That's where I am at. By no means am I saying that I don't have trust or faith in Jalen. It's a matter of getting the corrections done with Carson."
The Eagles next play the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. If Wentz struggles again, which he has traditionally done in his career against Seattle, it will be interesting to see if Pederson’s mind starts to change on pulling the franchise quarterback.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at [email protected]!