There have been many negative stories surrounding Carson Wentz over the last few years. From his time in Philadelphia to his one year in Indianapolis, several stories hit the media portraying the new Washington Commanders quarterback in a bad light.
When Washington introduced Wentz at a press conference in March, he said all the right things. He humbly acknowledged he didn’t play as well as he wanted down the stretch for the Colts last season but was now grateful for a new opportunity with the Commanders.
Since Wentz reported to work for Washington in April for the offseason program, he has impressed his new teammates. Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is a team leader, and he’s been impressed with his new quarterback. Allen told the media last week he didn’t see “where all the negative press comes from.”
When Wentz chatted with the media, he discussed everything from Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson to how and why he feels different from the last couple of years.
Wentz answered every question without hesitation and sounded excited to be in Washington, holding a leadership role.
“Yeah, what’s contributed to that,” Wentz said. “I mean, I’m older. My family life is different. I got two kids, everything’s changed. You mature a little bit; you see the world a little bit differently. I’ve been on; this is my third team, all those things. So, you kind of see a different perspective. It’s been fun. At the same time, an older guy in the locker room coming in and getting to know guys. There’s guys that were born in the 2000s all of a sudden, making me feel old. So all those things, just getting to know guys in a different way, guys that are from different backgrounds, different seasons of life, all of those things. And hopefully, as a leader and a veteran in that locker room, I can help kind of lead them and bring them along. I’m excited for it, and it’s been a lot of fun.”
That sure doesn’t sound like a guy who is aloof and struggles with leadership.
One of the knocks on Wentz was that he is sometimes too quiet or passive for a player in his position. What’s important to remember is all personalities are not the same. Not every quarterback has the same mentality as Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. That doesn’t make them a weak leader.
Reporters asked Wentz what he has emphasized from his previous two stops and how he wants to improve. He provided a thoughtful answer.
“Yeah. I mean, you’re always trying to learn, always trying to be a better teammate, a better friend,” Wentz answered. “Trying to be a better husband every day, a better father every day.”
Wentz went on to acknowledge he makes mistakes and that all he can do is grow from every mistake and encourage his younger teammates to do the same.
When asked about Troy Aikman’s comments about this being his last opportunity, Wentz handled it well.
“I didn’t know that was said quite frankly,” Wentz said. “That I’m fine with it. You know, everyone’s got their own opinion. I’m just excited to be playing this game, have this opportunity.”
No one knows how Wentz will work out for the Commanders. But it will not be for lack of effort, both on the field and as a leader. Wentz needs help, but he has the ability, and Washington has the offensive talent to be a playoff team in 2022.