Washington Commanders: Five games to circle on the schedule
By Hunter Noll
![ASHBURN, VA - MARCH 17: A view of a Washington Commanders helmets on display outside of a press conference to introduce quarterback Carson Wentz at Inova Sports Performance Center on March 17, 2022 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) ASHBURN, VA - MARCH 17: A view of a Washington Commanders helmets on display outside of a press conference to introduce quarterback Carson Wentz at Inova Sports Performance Center on March 17, 2022 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/318b53e871a2c4d4709fa062801028681aec5cb58a585c21c6099d0fd0d60a3c.jpg)
4. Washington Commanders vs. Indianapolis Colts (Week 8 – October 30)
Let’s stick with that trend. In fact, we’re going to stick heavily with that trend. Wentz folded to end his season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. They ended up trading him to the Commanders in the offseason and they made a move to get Matt Ryan.
Week 8 will be a chance for Wentz to get some revenge. Is that what you would call it? I guess fans of the Colts would say they want to get their revenge on him.
Either way, this will be an interesting game to watch. Can Wentz take down another ghost of his past? What about Jonathan Taylor? The Washington defensive line is their biggest strength. Many would argue it’s the best unit in the entire NFL. Can they stop the breakout star of 2021 and one of the best running backs in the game?
There’s another storyline here though. Because while it’s a game that could be highlighted by Wentz vs. his old team Indianapolis – we might not even get that.
Washington took quarterback Sam Howell in the fifth round of the draft this year. He was projected to go in the second. With that in mind, many feel like he could take over the starting job at some point. What if Wentz has already lost his job to the rookie?
It feels like this might be a little early. But it’s not impossible. And what if Wentz is teetering on the line but still has his job? This could be a make-or-break game for him. Talk about a high-pressure situation.
This is also a battle of two potential playoff teams. Now, the Colts are in the AFC so it’s not like they’re fighting for the same spot. But winning games against playoff-caliber teams is important for a team trying to prove itself. Washington is going to spend all of 2022 trying to prove itself.
There’s a whole lot going on with this game. Figure out a way to win. Wentz can prove himself and the team can make a statement.