When the Philadelphia Eagles drafted quarterback Carson Wentz with the second overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, they felt they were getting their franchise quarterback for the next decade and beyond. Even though they’ve won a Super Bowl with Wentz laid up on the sidelines, they still feel as confident with him under center as the day they drafted him.
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, speaking to the Giants’ beat pool via a conference call on Wednesday confirmed that the team, which is poised to win the NFC East this Sunday with a win over the New York Giants, made the right choice in Wentz.
“I think back to 2017, his second year, and just the difference he had from year one to year two, from his rookie season into his second full year there, just from the standpoint of running and just executing our offense. He had a full offseason with our guys that year, went in with a lot of high expectations, a lot of high hopes, and there’s really not one particular play or a game, I think it’s just how efficient he was playing the quarterback position for us that just showed his maturity in our offense. And listen, he’s still learning and still growing, but I think from year one to year two and the jump he made, for me, was sort of a moment that led us to believe that the guy we drafted was Carson and he was going to be the leader of our team for a long time.”
Pederson was asked if he felt Daniel Jones was that same player for the Giants.
“I do, and I think the Giants feel the same way, otherwise they wouldn’t have taken him when they did,” he said. “I’ve always liked Daniel. Coming out of college, I really liked him, and I think he’s a type of guy that will make big strides going into year two—having a full offseason to work with his players and work with the guys around him, and then having the chance to be possibly the day one starter. So, I think the sky’s the limit with him, and something that the Giants are looking forward to, I think, moving forward.”
The two young guns will face off for the first time this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Jones was injured three weeks ago for the Giants’ first matchup with Philly this season, a 23-17 overtime loss at Lincoln Financial Field. Eli Manning starter that game.
Pederson was asked the difference in preparing for rookie Jones instead of the veteran Manning.
“I really think the only difference with Daniel over Eli is Daniel probably moves around a little bit better,’ said Pederson. “The other thing is, like I said earlier, he’s definitely getting the ball out of his hand. I think they’ve kind of reconfigured the offense to be more conducive that way, obviously using the backs in some of the shorter screen passes, things of that nature. But it really doesn’t change our planning at all from that. We’ve still got to get ready for a good football team.”