Troy Aikman reveals hard truth about Carson Wentz’s 2022 season

The Washington Commanders took a great risk by acquiring Carson Wentz this offseason. After failing to beat the Jaguars in a “win-and-in” scenario in Week 18, Wentz and the Colts (rightly) became the laughingstock of the NFL.

It was a collapse of epic proportions, but recent comments from Colts general manager Chris Ballard suggest the team was considering moving on from Wentz before the regular-season finale, seemingly indicating the organization lost confidence in the quarterback long before the do-or-die game.

Now, Wentz is starting for his third team as many seasons, leading several analysts and insiders to believe 2022 could be his last chance to prove himself as a franchise quarterback. After all, if the Commanders are compelled to move on after next season, the league might view him as damaged goods.

Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman wouldn’t go that far, but he’s on a similar wavelength with most fans in believing that 2022 is a massive year for Wentz.

ESPN analyst Troy Aikman believes 2022 will be Commanders QB Carson Wentz’s last chance to prove himself.

Aikman, now an analyst for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” broadcast alongside former FOX partner Joe Buck, will be on the call for Washington’s visit to Philadelphia in Week 10; Wentz’s first return to Philly since he was traded.

In previewing this year’s MNF slate, Aikman revealed the hard truth about the upcoming season for Wentz.

"I think that right now, Carson had an opportunity; it didn’t end well in Philadelphia, of course. He then got traded to Indianapolis. Didn’t go great for him there. They decided to make another change at that position, and now he’s landed in Washington.I’m hopeful that he’s able to take advantage of that. Looking forward to that matchup between those two teams [in Philadelphia]. But this is kind of a defining season, I think, for Carson Wentz and what his future is going to look like."

Aikman isn’t exactly cared for around these parts, but he’s an outstanding analyst (when he’s not calling Cowboys games) and nailed this assessment.

While Wentz didn’t play poorly last campaign, he was anything but sturdy down the stretch. Four of his seven interceptions came in the final six games, his yards per attempt plummeted and he took back-breaking sacks at inopportune times.

With the Colts needing one win over their final two games to punch a postseason ticket, here’s what Wentz delivered:

• Week 17: 16-of-27 (59.2%), 148 yards, 1 TD, 5.48 YPA
• Week 18: 17-of-29 (58.6%), 185 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 fumble, 6.38 YPA

Two games should never define a QB’s season, but Wentz had little margin for error following his disaster 2020 with the Eagles. Ultimately, his biggest flaws — maddening turnovers, refusing to take what the defense gives him, not coming through in the clutch, etc. — came to light when his team needed him most.

Like Aikman, we’re rooting for Wentz to change the narrative and become a success in Washington. There’s just no getting around the fact that this will be his last opportunity to prove he’s worthy of the franchise QB title.

That’s a scary thought from a Commanders fan’s perspective.