The polarizing career of Carson Wentz opens up a new chapter with the Washington Commanders this Sunday.
Wentz has one really good season back in 2017, but since then he has never been the same player.
It could be the plethora of injuries that he suffered or a loss of confidence.
Including a torn ACL and back strain that cost him eight games between 17-18.
No one truly knows what happened to Wentz after that 2017 season but now in 2022, this may be his make-or-break season.
The Commanders took a chance on Wentz as their new starter after years of living in QB purgatory.
This is his third team in as many years and it could be his last run as an unquestioned starter.
Last season with the Colts, Wentz threw for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
While those numbers look pretty good, Wentz made a ton of mistakes including fumbling the ball eight times.
Also, in the last game of the season with a playoff berth on the line, Wentz was dreadful against the Jacksonville Jaguars who were the worst team in football.
That was ultimately the reason why the Colts decided to move on from the former all-pro.
Now at 29 years of age, how many more opportunities will Wentz get to show he can be a capable starter in this league.
If he can play well this season and limit the turnovers, he may get another chance to start.
But, if he is terrible this upcoming season he will probably no longer have a market as teams would rather go to a young QB than a guy entering his 30s.
No player is under more pressure to perform this year than Wentz and it will be interesting to see how he responds.
Washington’s Outlook
The one thing going for the Commanders is that they do not play in a tough division.
Especially a division with not very good QB play.
Dak Prescott is the only sure thing in the NFC East, as he has dominated the division throughout his career.
But, with Jalen Hurts and Daniel Jones, it is a guessing game which player you will see week to week.
Any given week, Wentz could play good enough football to give Washington the chance to beat any team in the East.
The weapons Wentz has to throw to this season are good as well.
His WR1 will be Terry McLaurin, but look for rookie Jahan Dotson to have a big impact as well.
The third wild-card spot could do wonders for someone like the Commanders.
Last season, the Eagles got the final wild-card spot with only nine wins.
Now, the Commanders have to find a way to get to that magic number of nine.
Luckily, for them, they play a third-place schedule this season.
Also, according to Sharp Football Analysis, they have the sixth easiest schedule in the NFL entering this year.
Wentz is not the only one that should be feeling pressure in Washington.
Head coach, Ron Rivera, could be on the hot seat if his team does not perform well this season.
Rivera and Wentz are going to have to find a way to make this work.
If not they both might be looking for a new team to join in 2023.
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