Doug Pederson Comments on Carson Wentz, Compares QB to Brett Favre

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has blown expectations out of the water through three NFL starts, and head coach Doug Pederson hasn't hesitated to heap praise on his rookie signal-caller entering the team's bye week. 

During a Tuesday appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Pederson compared Wentz to Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre—whom Pederson backed up for several seasons with the Green Bay Packers: 

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Brett, watching you play and being with you for eight years in Green Bay, this kid has some of the same instincts — and I’ve said this to people — that you had. Eyes are always downfield, you’re looking for that big play, the home-run play, the broken play. And he’s got that in him and that’s something that’s very special. And you can’t teach that. That’s an instinct that a lot of people don’t have and we’re fortunate that our guy has it.

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Pederson also took time to discuss Wentz's preparation for games, which has allowed the North Dakota State product to prosper against different NFL defensive schemes:

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He’s in here so early watching the tape. He’s putting himself in good situations. And, then, obviously, (offensive coordinator) Frank Reich is here. He played in the NFL for a long time. Of course, myself and then (quarterbacks coach John) DeFilippo played quarterback in college. So he’s got a good group of coaches that are around him, that have played at this level, to really sort of break him in and really teach him.

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This isn't the first time Pederson has compared Wentz to an NFL legend.

Following the Eagles' 34-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pederson referenced Peyton Manning when questioned about Wentz's acumen in the film room. 

"It’s Peyton Manning-ish," he said, per Philadelphia Magazine's Brandon Lee Gowton. "And you hate to label, I don’t want to put labels on guys, but that’s how Peyton prepared. That’s how these top quarterbacks prepare each week. [Wentz] has that [work ethic] now as a young quarterback, and that will just carry him throughout his career."

Now 3-0 following last Sunday's win, the Eagles will enjoy their bye week with the Detroit Lions on tap in Week 5. 

And if Wentz—who is one of two quarterbacks to start three games and not record a giveaway so far this season, per NFL Research—continues to light up defenses with quick reads, savvy improvisation in the pocket and pinpoint throws downfield, the Eagles could be staring at a 4-0 start that was unthinkable a month ago.