By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 
What was speculated over the weekend is now official. It's the Carson Wentz show in Philadelphia.
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson spoke to the media on Monday morning and announced that Carson Wentz would be the starting quarterback for Week 1 when the Eagles face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
"Carson Wentz will start the game on Sunday," Pederson said. "Chase will be No. 2 and then we're moving forward in that direction.
"I spent the weekend with my offensive staff and everybody feels like this kid's ready to go. We drafted him to take on the reigns and it's something now that we're prepared to do. At the same time, we've got to be smart in how we handle it, but fully expect him to perform like he's capable of performing as we've seen throughout OTAs and training camp."
Pederson said that Wentz is fully healthy and that he practiced on Monday with the first team. Wentz did not take reps with the first-team during training camp, but Pederson noted the only first team players he has not worked with are the offensive line.
Wentz did not get a lot of playing time during the preseason due to the injury, but what Wentz was able to display in workouts and camp and the brief preseason exposure was enough for Pederson to realize that Wentz is a special player.
"What he did in all of OTAs, what he's done around this building, the plays he made in the one preseason game has given me confidence that he can lead this football team," Pederson said. "I'm excited, I'm thrilled that this is an opportunity for him. It's an opportunity for our organization and our team and we're going full steam ahead. I feel fully confident we'll be able to get the job done.
"He's such a special guy that this doesn't bother him," Pederson said. "The stage is not that big. He can handle this. That's why making this decision is very comforting for me and really easy to make. Just knowing him and knowing how he prepares and knowing what he's done in the past. This guy's a proven winner, he's proven it all the way up through college, and I fully expect him to do the same at this level."
What made the decision possible was the trade of Sam Bradford. With Bradford out of the picture, Wentz's path to starting accelerated rapidly. Pederson called it the right direction for the team.
"The trade happened and we were fortunate to get some draft picks back. It was right for this football team," Pederson said. "It's something that we believe in, I believe in. This is why we drafted him. Would the ideal situation be later than sooner, sure, but right now, where we are, we've got a good football team around him. All the pieces are here for him to be successful."
Pederson also said the rest of the team is on board with the decision. Bradford was a good locker room presence among teammates and Chase Daniel is a veteran in the league, but the team is rallying around the rookie quarterback for the same reason as the coaching staff.
"Guys are excited for Carson," Pederson said. "When you lose your quarterback in Sam, it can be mixed emotions, but the guys were 100 percent behind it. They've seen him day in and day out like we have and they know he can be a special player in this league and they've embraced it."
Pederson also spoke about Daniel and how he ranks on the depth chart. Pederson noted the backup role and that it was the reasoning for adding Daniel this offseason.
"Chase was brought in here for a reason. Chase was the guy I wanted to be in this role," Pederson said. "He's an unselfish player, he leads by example on and off the field. He's a great mentor to Carson. Knowing that Chase is the No. 2 gives you a lot of confidence. It's great to have another set of eyes on the field for Carson and I feel real comfortable with where we are with these two guys."
Pederson also said that the decision does not affect expectations for the upcoming season.
"I challenged the team this morning. We come to work every single day, we roll our sleeves up and go to work. The expectation level doesn't change. I expect them to compete at a high level and win football games. That's our job, that's what we get paid to do. I don't expect anything less."
Pederson thanked Bradford at the open of the press conference for what he did for the organization and also noted that the Eagles will look to add a third quarterback in some way over the next few days or so.
Pederson also addressed a few other situations with the team. Wendell Smallwood returned to practice and the only player that did not participate in practice is Vinny Curry. Pederson also said he has no update on Lane Johnson's suspension and that until he hears further, Johnson will start at right tackle with Allen Barbre returning to left guard.
You can watch Doug Pederson's press conference in its entirety below.
