Carson Wentz is on his third team in three years. After starting his NFL career in Philadelphia, the Eagles traded Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts. His stay in Indianapolis was temporary, as the Colts offloaded the quarterback to the Washington Commanders after just one season.
There are a number of knocks against Wentz. But one that is glaring and obvious to see on the field, is reluctance to check the football down. Oftentimes Wentz is looking for the huge play, and rather takes a couple of more beats looking for downfield options to get open.
During Friday’s practice, Wentz’s biggest knock was on full display. On a quarterback rollout, Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat gave chase. As Sweat was barreling down on Wentz he pleaded with his QB to “get rid” of the football repeatedly, according to Matthew Paras of the Washington Times. Wentz ran out of bounds on the play without throwing the football.
Sweat was more so advising his quarterback on the play. But, Sweat repeatedly yelling for Wentz to chuck the ball away, is a reminder of Wentz’s struggles in the past.
It’s a laughing matter for many at the time. But, just as Colts and Eagles fans, Commanders fans will get frustrated if Wentz has the same mentality during the regular season.
His tendency to force the issue parlayed into him leading the NFL with 15 interceptions in 2020. While he has thrown seven interceptions in each of three of the last four seasons, he’s missed a ton of chances to settle for what the defense gave him.
The Commanders feel they have surrounded Wentz with arguably the best group of skill position players of his career. That includes two pass-friendly running backs out of the backfield in J.D. McKissic and Antonio Gibson, as well as a solid group of tight ends that will be led by Logan Thomas.
Some will dismiss the kink as part of training camp. However, history has shown the matter is at least concerning when it involves Wentz. Hopefully, Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner is able to get Wentz to correct his flaw in time for the season.
