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Now, It's The Carson Show

by Ed Benkin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Carson Wentz was far away from football on Saturday when he became the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I was actually laying in the middle of a cornfield hunting when that happened," said Wentz. "I got the call. I was obviously very surprised but instantly, I was very excited."

On Saturday, the Eagles traded Sam Bradford to the Vikings, which cleared the way for Wentz to assume the starting role.

There was speculation the Eagles might start veteran backup Chase Daniel until they felt the rookie was ready. However, Head Coach Doug Pederson made it clear it is now Wentz's job going forward.

"I want to exude that confidence in him," Pederson said. "I don't want him looking over his shoulder. We take this one day at a time and one game at a time. Hopefully, we can string some wins together. We understand there's going to be some bumps but at the same time, we're going to learn from those and I don't want him looking over his shoulder."

Doug Pederson
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson at a press conference on Monday, announcing Wentz as the starting quarterback. (credit: Ed Benkin)

Wentz was limited in the preseason after suffering a rib injury in his first game. Wentz says he gained plenty of confidence in the game he played against Tampa Bay and that he is completely healthy for Week One.

"We're healed and ready to go," said Wentz. "That was almost two full weeks ago."

With the starting job come a new series of expectations.

READ: Carson Wentz Named Starting Quarterback For Eagles

Wentz will no doubt have his rookie moments during the course of the season. The first-year starter understands he will have to learn from his mistakes as he continues to improve.

"That's the way life is and that's the way the game of football is," Wentz said. "Young quarterbacks usually experience some bumps on the road. I'm just going to take them in stride. I'm going to learn from my mistakes and keep getting better and keep putting this team in good situations to win some ball games."

Pederson said Wentz has the support of his teammates.

Tight End Zach Ertz is excited to see the rookie get his opportunity, but knows the rest of the offense must do its part to help Wentz make a smooth transition.

"Everyone's really excited about Carson," said Ertz. "I think the city should be excited about Carson but at the end of the day, it's not all about Carson. We've got a lot of talent on offense. Carson shouldn't feel like the team is going to live and die by his play. We've got to elevate our play around him."

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