Eagles' Hurts ready for 1st NFL start: 'You dream of opportunities like this'

Philadelphia Eagles rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts will fulfill a childhood dream Sunday when he takes the field against the New Orleans Saints in his first NFL start.

"I've been ready to answer the phone. It rang. I answered," the 22-year-old said of head coach's Doug Pederson decision to name him the starter over Carson Wentz, according to John Clark of NBC Sports.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my parents. My parents found out before I told them. As a kid, you grow up, you dream of opportunities like this."

Philadelphia benched Wentz late in its loss to the Green Bay Packers this past Sunday and announced earlier this week that Hurts will take over under center in Week 14.

The 2020 second-round pick racked up 109 yards and one touchdown against one interception during his brief appearance against the Packers.

The 3-8-1 Eagles sit third in the NFC East behind the New York Giants and Washington Football Team, who each own a 5-7 record. Philadelphia currently has just a 5% chance of making the postseason, according to FiveThirtyEight.