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Esiason: Wentz Just 'Going Through Natural Progression' Of Learning NFL QB

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- We're a long way from Carson Wentz's offensive rookie of the month award.

All of the sudden, Wentz and the Eagles are struggling.

The team has lost seven of their last nine games after their 3-0 start and Wentz has thrown just three interceptions to six interceptions in the last three games (all losses). Many believe Wentz has regressed mechanically, but former Pro Bowl quarterback and CBS NFL analyst Boomer Esiason says he's just going through the natural progression of learning how to play quarterback in the NFL.

Related: Bart Scott On Carson Wentz: 'Fool's Gold, He's Played The JV'

"I think that's just getting used to playing in a 16-game, NFL season," Esiason said of Wentz's struggles on Thursday's 94WIP Midday Show with Jon Ritchie and Joe Decamara. "It's a long, long season. I often tell people they don't truly understand what four quarters of football means for a starting quarterback, that's why there's only so many of them that are so good right now because it's a lot of heavy mental lifting. I think what happens is, if you start getting a little bit -- you're confidence racked, some things don't go well for you, it's a grind -- then all the sudden you're going to have some bad fundamentals.

Related: Carson Wentz Reflects On First Nine NFL Games

So I think he's going through the natural progression of trying to learn how to play the quarterback position in this league. I believe that Doug Pederson is a really, terrific head coach. I think he's gonna get it right."

Esiason still has faith in Wentz being the Eagles' franchise quarterback for plenty of years to come.

"I still believe this, in my heart of hearts, that they have the legitimate, long-term solution at quarterback," Esiason said. "He's a good kid, he cares about being great, he wants to win, and he's really smart. And I think he's got all the physical ability."

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