Carson Wentz takes high road in response to Jim Irsay’s criticism

It’s been inspiring to see the Washington Commanders fans rally behind new quarterback Carson Wentz. While every fan roots for their team’s quarterback, Commanders fans have almost developed a soft spot for Wentz given the backlash he’s received since he was acquired by Washington.

Most of the criticism has come from the media, which isn’t surprising, though it’s been incredibly one-sided. The other batch, though, has come at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts. It’s just rare you see a supposed classy organization rip a former player like Indy has since it traded Wentz.

Despite being fully justified in clapping back at his former franchise, Wentz has continued taking the high road.

At his introductory press conference, he handled himself like a professional whenever the Colts were brought up. When owner Jim Irsay went out of his way to eviscerate Wentz to the media, the quarterback didn’t make a peep.

And during an appearance on the Colin Cowherd Podcast, Wentz exuded professionalism and abstained from taking shots.

Commanders QB Carson Wentz reflected on Jim Irsay’s criticism and his departure from the Colts.

"“I mean, it is what it is, you know. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. I thought last year was a really fun year. I thought we did some incredible things, came up short at the end. Obviously I struggled down the stretch there and timing was poor. But yeah, I didn’t expect that. I didn’t expect things to unfold the way they did and I thought things were in a pretty good place there.”"

You’re not alone, Carson. Nobody expected that from Irsay. Not even Colts fans, who’ve unsurprisingly come to Wentz’s defense amid all this (unnecessary) drama since he was jettisoned to the Commanders.

General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich get a pass. While they haven’t spoken glowing about Wentz, they’ve been honest and respectful in their assessments. The same can’t be said for owner Jim Irsay, however.

Irsay’s most damning remarks include calling the Wentz era a “mistake” and saying it was “very obvious” the franchise needed to move on. After Indy acquired Matt Ryan, Irsay went on the record saying he was “Extremely grateful to the football Gods, so to speak, where we were (with Wentz) compared to where we are (with Ryan).”

Again, totally uncalled for on Irsay’s part. Despite everything, Wentz remained steadfast with his lighthearted approach.

"“I had awesome relationships with every single person in that building. Can’t say enough good things about the people over there. “Yeah, it (Irsay’s criticism) kinda came out of left field, you know? He’s entitled to his own opinion and he’s entitled to do what he wants with his football team.”"

Hard to handle this better than Wentz has. Was he at his best when the Colts needed him to be? No, and the Colts moved on as a result. That should’ve put an end to everything. Get through a couple awkward press conferences and move on with your lives. That goes for both Indy (Irsay) and Wentz/Washington.

It’s the status quo with messy trades, but Irsay opted to pin an organizational failure squarely on the shoulders of his quarterback. Like a true leader and professional, Wentz has taken it all in stride and is focused on the future.

That’s deserving of praise the same way throwing a touchdown is.