The Washington Commanders Get a New Quarterback
The Washington Commanders made a significant move to strengthen their quarterback position by acquiring Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts. This move comes as a result of a trade between the two teams, with the Commanders sending the Colts two third-round picks from 2022 and 2023. However, the 2023 pick is conditional, and if Wentz reaches a 70% snap count for the season, it could become a second-round pick. Additionally, the Commanders and Colts swapped second-round picks in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft, allowing the Colts to move up from the #47 overall pick to #42.
Carson Wentz’s Impact
Carson Wentz, who previously played for the Colts, will now take on the role of the Washington Commanders’ quarterback. Last season, backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke stepped in after Ryan Fitzpatrick’s injury. Heinicke managed a 7-8 record as the starter and showed promise with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. However, head coach Ron Rivera believed that the team needed a better option at quarterback, eventually leading to the acquisition of Carson Wentz. Despite the arrival of Wentz, Heinicke will remain on the roster as the backup.
During his time with the Colts, Wentz completed 62.4% of his passes, throwing for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions in 17 games. Impressively, he ranked among the quarterbacks with the lowest number of interceptions in the league. Wentz’s ability to make sound decisions in the pocket earned him a 54.7 QBR, placing him ninth overall in the NFL.
A Look Back at Wentz’s Career
Wentz’s standout season came in 2017 with the Philadelphia Eagles when he threw 33 touchdowns in just 13 games. However, injuries have plagued Wentz throughout his career, leading to the Eagles trading him to the Colts last year in exchange for draft picks. With the Colts, Wentz led the team to a 9-8 record but fell short of a playoff berth.
The trade to the Washington Commanders marks a new chapter for Wentz, but not all fans are pleased with the decision. Many were hoping for Jimmy Garoppolo, who the Commanders had shown interest in acquiring. However, a deal for Garoppolo couldn’t be reached, and the San Francisco 49ers traded up in the 2021 NFL Draft to select Trey Lance as their future franchise quarterback.
Quarterback Shuffle: The Missed Opportunities
Prior to acquiring Carson Wentz, the Washington Commanders pursued Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, their trade offer was rejected, and Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos instead. It is unclear whether the rejection came from Wilson himself or the Seahawks organization. The Commanders had reportedly offered a trio of first-round picks in exchange for Wilson, but the deal did not materialize.
Another missed opportunity for the Commanders was Jimmy Garoppolo. Despite their interest, the Commanders were unable to strike a deal with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers traded up with the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft to secure Trey Lance, signaling that Garoppolo’s days as the starter in San Francisco were numbered. With the Commanders solidifying their quarterback position with Wentz, other teams are now expected to pursue a trade for Garoppolo, with the Indianapolis Colts being one of the potential suitors.
The Impact of the Wentz Trade
The acquisition of Carson Wentz has had a significant impact on both the Washington Commanders and the Indianapolis Colts. The Commanders saw a slight bump in their Super Bowl 57 odds, going from +5000 to +4000, following Wentz’s arrival. Meanwhile, the Colts’ odds slipped from +2500 to +3000 after the trade.
For the Commanders, securing a reliable starting quarterback was a top priority for head coach Ron Rivera. With Wentz under center, the team hopes to improve upon their previous season and make a strong push for the playoffs. However, for the trade to truly pay off, it will be crucial for Wentz to stay healthy and perform consistently throughout the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The Washington Commanders’ acquisition of Carson Wentz provides them with a new starting quarterback and strengthens their position heading into the upcoming season. With a proven track record and the potential to make sound decisions in the pocket, Wentz brings experience and talent to the team. However, the Commanders still have Taylor Heinicke as a capable backup, providing a safety net should Wentz face any injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did the Washington Commanders acquire Carson Wentz?
The Washington Commanders traded with the Indianapolis Colts, exchanging two third-round picks and swapping second-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
2. What were Carson Wentz’s statistics with the Colts?
During his 17 games with the Colts, Wentz completed 62.4% of his passes, throwing for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He ranked among quarterbacks with the fewest interceptions in the league.
3. Why did the Commanders pursue Carson Wentz over other options?
The Commanders’ head coach, Ron Rivera, believed that the team needed a stronger option at quarterback. Despite Taylor Heinicke’s decent performance as the backup, Wentz’s experience and decision-making ability in the pocket made him an appealing choice.
4. Who were the other quarterback options for the Commanders?
The Commanders had expressed interest in Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks and Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers. However, they were unsuccessful in their pursuit of both players.
5. How has the Wentz trade affected the Commanders and Colts?
The Commanders’ Super Bowl 57 odds improved slightly following the trade, while the Colts’ odds slipped. The trade has provided the Commanders with a stronger quarterback option, while the Colts will have to explore other avenues to address their quarterback position.
