Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is like every other NFL player or fan. He’s heard the stories of Carson Wentz being a bad teammate. Whether or not Wentz was actually a bad teammate, some in the media took that narrative and gave it a life of its own.
Regarding Wentz, multiple former high-profile teammates in both Philadelphia and Indianapolis have spoken up in defense of the quarterback.
As for Allen, a respected team captain for the Commanders, he believes Wentz hasn’t necessarily been treated fairly based on his interactions with him.
“I think the thing that’s bad about the NFL is how reputations can be built through the media,” Allen told JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington Wednesday via Peter Hailey. “I feel like he’s been given a terrible reputation, and I haven’t known him as long as some people, so I’m not going to say they’re wrong, but from what I’ve seen, I don’t see where all the negative press comes from.”
Allen is right. At every turn, it appears a different media outlet is having fun at Wentz’s expense. Heck, the Indianapolis Colts can’t stop talking about him. And it’s not the players; it’s Colts’ management. For over two months, a new story came out where owner Jim Irsay or general manager Chris Ballard mentioned Wentz in an unflattering way.
As for Wentz, he has continued to take the high road.
Allen wasn’t done heaping praise on his new quarterback.
“Now, obviously, time will tell, but from what I’ve seen, he’s a great leader; he wants to come out here and win, play hard, have fun and really just be a great teammate,” Allen said. “I really have no complaints; I’ve loved everything I’ve seen. He communicates with everybody, doesn’t seclude himself, very open to the team. I mean, he’s fitting right in.”
This matches what everyone else, including coach Ron Rivera, has said about Wentz since he arrived in Washington. Sure, it’s early in Wentz’s tenure, but some Washington players were likely expecting a self-centered diva.
It will be interesting to see how the Commanders react to Wentz when the team hits a rough patch next season. The Colts hit some rough patches last season, especially in Wentz’s final two games, and while management threw Wentz under the bus, his teammates didn’t and continued to support him.
Allen is a respected voice and leader. When he talks, people listen.
Perhaps, in the end, Wentz’s stint in Washington ends miserably. Or, maybe, Wentz turns his career around, forcing some to change their narrative.