Carson Wentz has no excuse to not excel with the Indianapolis Colts

With a strong offensive line and a plethora of weapons, Carson Wentz has everything to succeed with the Indianapolis Colts and now it’s on him to perform. 

For much of his tenure in Philadelphia outside of 2017, former Eagles turned Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz has had a largely up and down career. His last season was one that would almost certainly have had Eagles fans booing mercilessly had they been allowed into Lincoln Financial Field.

In fact, he was still criticized via social media. A number of on-air pundits, namely ESPN’s Max Kellerman, often vocalized displeasure for Wentz consistently being given the benefit of the doubt despite on the field productivity or lack thereof. In the end, the Eagles imploded and not only was head coach Doug Pederson removed from his position but Wentz was traded to the Colts.

Within a dark hour came a bright light for the former second overall pick out of North Dakota State. For one, Wentz got a head coach whom he had familiarity with, Frank Reich, who was the offensive coordinator in 2017 when Wentz was on his way to an MVP before a knee injury sidelined him and gave way to Nick Foles hoisting a Lombardi Trophy over Brady and the Pats.

Also, with the new colors come new teammates, especially stability among the offensive line. After signing former No. 1 pick Eric Fisher, the Colts have a potential starting lineup of three first-round picks on the offensive line in Fisher, Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly, provided, of course, that Fisher recovers well from an Achilles injury suffered in the AFC Championship.

Also, Indianapolis has a second-round pick in Braden Smith at right tackle and Mark Glowinski, a former fourth-round pick and an underrated yet very productive player playing right guard.

Additionally, unlike in Philadelphia over his last few years, Wentz has weapons and help at his disposal with a strong running game headlined by Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor and weapons along the outside, including wide receiver Michael Pittman, who, while happy to accept Wentz as his new quarterback, made Wentz switch his jersey to No. 2 after not willing to relinquish the No. 11 jersey.

Carson Wentz finally got some help and it’s on him to produce at a high level for the Indianapolis Colts.

Any quarterback is bound to struggle if the pieces around him don’t provide security and assurance. However, Wentz has had lofty expectations placed on his shoulders and has underperformed. A majority of that can be attributed to a lack of help. Not anymore. The Indianapolis Colts have provided as much as they could.

Furthermore, the franchise shored up their defense with the acquisition of defensive end Kwity Paye via the draft, who most certainly will provide help in the trenches and assist Darius Leonard and friends on that side of the ball. We just saw how a balance of defense and offense can culminate in victory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A little talent doesn’t hurt either.

Outside of a major injury bug, there isn’t much room for excuses to be made for Carson Wentz.  The division is open for the taking as the Colts will largely contend for the division title with the Titans and their 2,000 yards running back in Derrick Henry.

Jacksonville is in a rebuilding stage with Urban Meyer and Trevor Lawrence, and maybe that Tim Tebow guy. Houston? They have a problem indeed if Deshaun Watson isn’t in the lineup or even on the roster. In other words, the Colts, at the very least, have a good shot to be a Wild-Card team.

Carson Wentz has a fresh start, and he’s been given a gift basket of help. Now it’s on him to use the pieces around him wisely, else the criticism that he received while in the city of Brother Love will only be justified.