The Washington Commanders took a chance in signing veteran Carson Wentz this off-season. Will the former second overall pick help his team take control of the NFC East?
Keeping the right quarterback behind center has been an issue for Ron Rivera and his staff with the Washington Commanders.
Within the last two seasons, the Commanders have seen six different quarterbacks take the field. Dwayne Haskins, Alex Smith, and Taylor Heinicke are some of the most recent gunslingers that have spent time sporting Burgundy and Gold. After years of shuffling the deck, the Commanders have used their offseason trying to obtain a new face of the franchise.
On Wednesday, March 9th, Washington’s front office announced its decision to sign a leader who was familiar with the team’s division. The addition of Carson Wentz came soon after the franchise finished second in the bidding for Seattle’s Russell Wilson.
Carson Wentz could have his best season yet as a Commander
Rostering an experienced quarterback has given the fans in Maryland and Virginia something to look forward to this upcoming season. A rise in competition in the NFC East will cause its head coaches to demand excellence in the season to come.
Although Wentz’s career has been subpar to date, his skill set is expected to take the Commanders to a new level. Washington’s sixth-year quarterback has accumulated more than 20,000 passing since 2016.
“Carson Wentz is barely an upgrade over Taylor Heinicke” pic.twitter.com/u4rwk71u5k
— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) March 26, 2022
Staying healthy will be important for the former North Dakota State Bison. Injuries have caused fans to forget his great exploits while competing for other franchises. In 2019, the Philadelphia Eagles reached the Superbowl with a 9-7 record, largely because of Carson Wentz.
His development as a passer and play extender helped Doug Pederson win his first Vince Lombardi trophy as a head coach. A pair of consecutive foot injuries and a back fracture has kept the former Pro-Bowler from competing at a high level.
Becoming an elite quarterback is not an outlandish mission for the Commander’s newest field general. His experience and determination should help offensive coordinator Scott Turner and his staff expand their aerial attack.
Having one of the league’s most dangerous receivers will help Wentz find success as well. Terry McLaurin’s big-play ability has made him a threat for any quarterback who has worn a Washington jersey. McLaurin has recorded more than 3,000 yards receiving since joining the league in 2019.
A look at Carson Wentz in the new Washington uniform from the @Commanders pic.twitter.com/gXZuqCGyX0
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 30, 2022
Carson Wentz is set up to have one of the best seasons of his NFL career. Washington’s weapons on offense and stifling defense will help Wentz add to his legacy. Wentz’s season with the Colts showed glimpses of his potential for the upcoming season.
His 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions resembled the stat line of his championship season.