Spotlight on Commanders' Carson Wentz in first game against Eagles

Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Spotlight on Commanders' Carson Wentz in his first game against Eagles

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/23/22

Five years ago, Commanders QB Carson Wentz was on his way to an MVP-like season for the Philadelphia Eagles. A season-ending injury in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams derailed that trajectory, and he was exiled from Philly in 2021.

Sunday will mark Wentz's first game against the team he piloted for 13 games in its Super Bowl-winning season. The game at home versus the Eagles could signal his return to that 2017 form or give added validity to Philadelphia's decision to move on from their former first-round pick.

Carson Wentz says his time in Philly was a “whirlwind, a wild ride.” He says looking back, there were some times where he could’ve been a better person, a better teammate

He says he has grown a lot from the experience in Philly pic.twitter.com/k9yqLNuTd0
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 21, 2022

In a news conference earlier this week, Wentz admitted his time in Philadelphia was a "whirlwind" and that he has matured since his departure. He was candid in addressing the "mixed emotions" of playing against his former team.

Carson Wentz says he'll have "mixed emotions" playing Eagles: "Winning the Super Bowl up there was pretty special. Being a part of that was pretty cool. ... I'll definitely cherish my time there"https://t.co/DJG5eZT8pM pic.twitter.com/KGis3FfcbN
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) September 22, 2022

Through two games, the Commanders' offense has revolved around Wentz. He is second in the league with 650 passing yards and tied with Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Tua Tagovailoa for first in touchdowns thrown at seven.

While certainly a promising start, Sunday will mark the biggest stage Wentz has played on this season. His performance will be at the center of the story, for better or worse.

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