Ferndale native Doug Pederson is entering his second season as the head coach of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.  The Eagles went 7-9 and finished fourth in the NFC East in 2016.

Philadelphia opened training camp this week. Much of the Eagles fate will be decided by the continuing development of quarterback Carson Wentz, also entering his second season with the team.  The #2 pick in the draft threw for 3782 yards and 16 touchdowns as a rookie.  

 “The best thing I think that (Wentz) and I have going is that he played 16 games last year,” Pederson said on Tuesday.  “That’s the exciting thing about it.  He’s a year experienced now in this league.  Those are things we can build on.”

 “He came in in the right frame of mind.  Last year at this time he came in after not really having an off-season.  Now he’s refreshed, he’s rejuvinated, he’s ready to go.”

 Pederson sounds very upbeat about what 2017 could have in store.

 “I’m excited about the guys we have – the new additions, the draft picks, the free agents.  I think they’ve helped our roster.  They’ve helped adding some talent around Carson.  Now we have to mix it all together.  It takes a coaching staff.  It takes leadership from the top.  Egos have to be put aside.  We have to come out here every day and work hard.”

(KPUG – Mark Scholten)