For weeks there has been speculation as to where Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz would land.
It seemed obvious when he was benched at the end of the season for rookie Jalen Hurts that he would not be in Philadelphia in 2021.
We now know Wentz’s new team is the Indianapolis Colts.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Eagles agree to trade QB Carson Wentz to Colts for 2021 third-round pick, 2022 conditional second-round pickhttps://t.co/HvDd2xqDmQ pic.twitter.com/RSJs8TAEiT
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 18, 2021
With Philly in the rearview mirror now, this is now the question:
Can Colts Coach Frank Reich fix Carson Wentz?
We know Frank Reich thinks he can fix him because he spearheaded getting Wentz in Indy.
NFL insider Adam Caplan reported this last week.
NFL: "I still think it's going to be the Colts."@caplannfl keeps us updated on the latest news around Carson Wentz heading into the weekend.#NFLTwitter #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/shpEwSlHCY
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) February 12, 2021
“The reason is simply this: Frank Reich, the head coach, wants him. He coached him for two years in Philly as the offensive coordinator. They had a close working relationship. Reich thinks the world of him.”
In this case, I believe Frank Reich is correct that he can fix Wentz.
Here are three reasons why he can.
2017 was not a fluke, #Eagles Carson Wentz just played with confidence.
For whatever reason, that confidence is now lost. pic.twitter.com/j7lcZrFTkS
— Luke Stansfield (@Luke_StansNFL) February 15, 2021
1. Reich And Wentz Work Well Together.
Wentz’s best year in the NFL was 2017.
He was on his way to being the NFL MVP before becoming injured.
Nick Foles took the reins, and the rest is history.
Wentz’s offensive coordinator during that 2017 season was Frank Reich.
Even after Reich left Philadelphia to take the Indianapolis head coaching job, he always spoke positively about Carson Wentz.
The feeling was mutual so the news of their reunion surprises no one especially NFL insider Adam Schefter.
“In this particular case, I think Carson Wentz really did want to wind up in Indianapolis and working with a familiar and comfortable face in Frank Reich.… The Colts’ offer was what it was and they were strong. They increased the offer in the end. They felt that Carson Wentz was a natural fit in their offense on that team and with that particular organization.”
2. The Colts Offensive Line Is Better Than The Eagles.
Maybe it is unfair to limit it to the Colts offensive line.
The Colts are a better team than the Eagles.
They have a good offensive line, established running game, and seasoned wide receivers.
The team is younger, yet already playoff tested so there is every reason to believe the Colts are ascending whereas the Eagles are somewhat stilted right now.
3. The Midwest Is A Better Fit For Wentz.
Carson Wentz will thrive in Indy and leaves behind a fractured team. This is truly a sad day in Philadelphia sports history.
— BirdGang (@GordonsWord) February 18, 2021
Wentz’s personality is more suited to a Midwest franchise.
The Philadelphia fans are very passionate in their like and dislike of their Eagles.
Their emotions can change as quickly as a flip of a coin.
Philly sports radio is equally brutal.
These are the fans that threw snowballs at Santa Claus.
Need I say more?
What It Means
The NFL culture is changing.
Players are starting to be more vocal about what they want and in some cases, they are getting it.
Carson Wentz is just the latest example because he made it clear he wanted out of Philadelphia.
Matt Stafford asked for the trade.
JJ Watt asked to be released.
Russell Wilson is apparently unhappy in Seattle.
Sam Darnold and Deshaun Watson are young and not happy in their current situations.
It is an interesting time.
NEXT: Top 3 Options For The Colts At QB In 2021And now the former No. 1 and No. 2 picks from the same 2016 draft, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, have been told they are being traded apart 19 days apart.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 18, 2021
