Getty Image
- The Washington Commanders have made a trade for QB Carson Wentz
- Many, while skeptical, are trying to convince themselves that Wentz can be the answer
- Read more NFL news here
It’s official. There is a new leader in Washington, DC.
At least in regard to its football team.
The Commanders made a deal today to bring former Indianapolis Colts QB Carson Wentz to the nation’s capital. The move likely unseats Tyler Heineke from his starting role after leading the Washington offense in 15 games last season.
The Commanders are the latest team to make noise on the NFL QB circuit, following in the footsteps of the Broncos and Packers in securing their passer of the future.
While the trade certainly made headlines, it may not have necessarily made the Commanders any better.
Wentz was an average player on a team that boasted a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball last year. Even with a supporting cast of Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr, and TY Hilton, the Colts finished with eight losses to miss the NFL Playoffs.
That includes a pair of head-scratching defeats at the hands of the Seahawks and Jaguars.
The initial reaction in Washington wasn’t great as many questioned whether or not this will help the team to compete with the hated Cowboys in the NFC East.
With the decision made, though, fans are now trying to convince themselves that Wentz can be the savior.
ESPN Analyst Matthew Berry Tries To Convince Himself That Wentz Is The Answer
Fantasy football expert Matthew Berry is one of those Washington fans trying to tell themselves that Wentz can make it work.
He posted a hilarious video doing just that on Twitter earlier today. Check it out.
Official talking myself into Carson Wentz video. pic.twitter.com/g4JKvJHVLy
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) March 9, 2022
Berry begins with the trade details. The Commanders get Wentz plus a second-round pick in exchange for a second-round pick in 2022 and a pair of third-round picks. One of those third-round picks becomes a second-round pick should the QB play more than 70% of his games next year.
He also notes that Washington is covering all $28 million on Wentz’s contract this year, which he says, “seems like a lot for a guy that was 27th in passing yards per game last year and 26th in completion percentage… And played in a division with the Jaguars and the Texans… And had a great offensive line, a great running back, and a great defense… And didn’t get his team to the playoffs.”
The ESPN analyst also notes Wentz’s seven games with under 12 fantasy points last season.
Making things even more brutal is the fact that Washington made a better offer to Russell Wilson than Denver did, yet the All-Pro passer still signed with the Broncos.
Slowly, though, Berry changes his negative tone into one of positivity.
“I looked this up. Weeks 1-9 last year, the Washington Football Team allowed pressure at the fourth lowest rate,” Berry says. “And when Wentz is not pressured, he was seventh in passing touchdown rate last year… That’s something, right?”
Berry goes on to talk about the QB’s touchdown to interception ratio, which did rank on the higher side. He also notes his deep pass target rate and 3,500 passing yard total last season, still teetering on uncertainty.
The analyst goes as far as to reference Wentz’s title run in Philadelphia, which is… quite the stretch.
This, of course, is all said in a hesitant, somewhat joking tone which makes the video all the more entertaining. He wraps up by shouting, “Go Carson Wentz!”
Unfortunately, this feeling of disappointment pretty much sums up how Washington fans are feeling today. But who knows? Maybe Wentz will prove the optimists right by leading the Commanders to the playoffs.
Berry sure hopes so.