It is not all that unusual for a rookie quarterback to start on opening day. Four of them, in fact, will do so in Week 1 this season, including the Eagles' Carson Wentz when he goes against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
It is also pretty typical for some first-year coaches to roam NFL sidelines every year. Four of them, including the Eagles' Doug Pederson, will do so Sunday.
Rare indeed is a team willing to open an NFL season with a rookie coach and a rookie quarterback, the surprising combination sprung upon the Eagles on Saturday when general manager Howie Roseman traded Sam Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings.