Why the Carson Wentz trade can work for the Commanders

Where the Commanders should go from here

So where should Washington go from here? To me, Washington should not try to “hedge” their bet and select a quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft. Instead, they should do whatever is possible to build the best team to surround Wentz.

An underrated topic of discussion surrounding the sixth-year quarterback is that his situation in Indianapolis was not perfect. Sure, the Colts have a good roster, a great coaching staff, one of the best running games in the NFL, and a respected GM in Chris Ballard.

But the offensive line for the Colts was less than ideal, posting the 30th-best pass-blocking efficiency, according to PFF. Eric Fisher was a turnstile at left tackle while protecting Wentz’s blindside. Michael Pittman Jr had a breakout year in his second year in Indianapolis but he still has not proven yet that he can be a sustainable No.1 option. After Pittman, it was slimmer pickings at pass-catcher for the Colts.

TY Hilton and Parris Campbell were sidelined for most of the year with injury, Zach Pascal is a fine role player but not a difference-maker, Ashton Dulin has potential but is still raw and the tight ends for Indianapolis can best be described as “meh.”

It certainly wasn’t a terrible situation but Indianapolis did not do as much, as say, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did at surrounding their quarterback with the tools to succeed. Washington should learn from the mistakes of Indy’s past and give Carson Wentz no excuse to fail.

Wentz already has the best receiver has ever played with in Terry McLaurin. Now, Washington needs to supplement the roster with better secondary rosters. It obviously starts with the hopeful improved health of Curtis Samuel. Washington can still do more, however.

Whether it is adjusting contracts to free up cap space for a weapon in free agency or spending multiple draft selections on it, Washington needs to form an offense tailored to Wentz’s strengths. They need to double down on the move and invest in the offense.

Add another weapon at pick 11 or in the second round. Make money available. Extend Terry McLaurin. Sign a veteran guard to replace Brandon Scherff. Draft another running back, if the right one is available.

With Dallas facing cap space doom, Washington needs to pounce on a flimsy division. Invest in the offense, get healthy, become an opportunistic defense and curate a plan to win with Carson Wentz at quarterback.

At least, if it fails, Washington will know who is at fault. Double down, Washington. Invest in Carson Wentz and the offense. Give Wentz zero excuse to fail. Wentz is most likely what he is at this point, a volatile quarterback. If Washington invests right, however, they can make the peaks be higher and the valleys lower.