Wentz Set To Duel With Roethlisberger
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- After two games, Carson Wentz is already being compared to a host of the NFL's top quarterbacks. Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger is one of the signal callers linked to the Eagles' star rookie.
The two quarterbacks will go head to head Sunday as the Eagles host the Steelers at the Linc. Wentz will face a Pittsburgh squad which many believe is a Super Bowl contender. Wentz will have to worry more about the Pittsburgh Defense than Roethlisberger, but was flattered to be compared to a man who has led the Steelers to three Super Bowl appearances.
"To be compared to a guy like that is pretty impressive," said Wentz. "I've got a long way to go. I've always admired how he plays. I love how he can extend plays and improvise. He's not afraid to chuck the ball deep and make some plays. I definitely admire his game."
Roethlisberger has the same agent as Wentz, and the two worked out together during the off-season. Just like the rest of the football world, Roethlisberger has been impressed with Wentz over the first two weeks of the season.
"He's playing well," Roethlisberger said. "He's played two games, but he's not trying to do too much. He's taking what the defense gives him. He makes plays with his feet when he needs to and throws the ball away when he needs to, so I think he's doing some good things."
Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson sees similarities between Wentz and Roethlisberger. While Pederson agrees his quarterback still has a lot to achieve before reaching the level of Big Ben, he sees a style of play that mirrors the Pittsburgh quarterback.
"Obviously the size and the arm strength," said Pederson. "Carson's probably a little bit better of an athlete moving around a little bit, and then the fact that they had great defenses around Ben and a running game and special teams and you can utilize all three of those and help your young quarterbacks that way. You've seen it time and time again with teams that have that formula."
The Eagles will have to try to find a winning formula against the high-powered Steelers. Pittsburgh is coming off impressive victories over Washington and Cincinnati. Defensive Lineman Fletcher Cox says the other Pennsylvania team will provide one of the toughest tests of the season.
"It will be the most complete team we're going to play," Cox said. "They have it all. They have a good offense and they're really good on defense and special teams. It's going to be a real good challenge for us this week."
