James Smith-Williams becomes latest Commander to praise Carson Wentz

Any team who traded for Carson Wentz was going to face the music from the national media. The fact it was the Washington Commanders who ultimately acquired the volatile quarterback saw the criticism increase ten fold, however.

It didn’t help Washington’s case that the Indianapolis Colts lucked out in trading for Matt Ryan, as it helped soften the blow of offloading Wentz a year after they surrendered a 2021 third-round pick and a 2022 conditional second-rounder that turned into a first after Wentz played more than 70% of the snaps.

In commendable fashion, Wentz isn’t paying attention to the outside noise, which included some truly vulgar shots from Colts owner Jim Irsay. Wentz has closed that chapter of his career and is focused on helping Washington win games.

While Wentz has yet to partake in a fully-padded practice, the early returns from spring practices were overwhelmingly positive.

Those vibes continued this week when Commanders defensive lineman James Smith-Williams appeared on “Good Morning Football” and raved about the team’s new quarterback and his potential in the revamped offense.

Commanders defensive lineman James Smith-Williams is ready for Carson Wentz to ball out in 2022.

"“He’s an awesome guy,” Smith-Williams told the Good Morning Football crew. “That arm is insane, you know. Watching him at OTAs make all the throws and do it with ease—all the weapons we have on the offense, it’s really been fun to see them come together and kinda gel and mesh.”"

A seventh-round pick in 2020, Smith-Williams has had a front-row experience to Washington’s revolving door at quarterback. In fact, since Smith-Williams was drafted, a whopping six QBs have started games, including Alex Smith, the late Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Taylor Heinicke and Garrett Gilbert.

It’s clear Smith-Williams recognizes that Wentz’s talent is a level above those gunslingers, even though he’d never admit it. The former North Carolina State standout isn’t alone in the regard, as he joins a long list of Commanders who’ve been complimentary of Wentz’s arm talent and character since the trade.

"“We’ve connected on a very personal level since he’s gotten here,” Terry McLaurin said after signing his new contract. “And even throughout the process, he was reaching out to me, checking in on me. I was asking how practice was going and things like that. And that’s why I can’t wait to get out there and start throwing with him, because now we get to put the football together and we get to start to form that connection on the field. But personally, I’m really excited to see what he does.”"

Defensive star and captain Jonathan Allen arguably gave Wentz the biggest compliment from a football and leadership standpoint.

"“He’s everything you want from your starting quarterback,” Allen told reporters at OTAs. “He’s a leader—talks to every guy on the team, not just the receivers or the running backs or the offensive line. Talks to the defensive guys, and he wants to be here and he wants to win. Really not much more I could ask for.”"

In addition to Smith-Williams, McLaurin and Allen, Jahan Dotson and Cole Holcomb have had nothing but positive things to say about Wentz.

Of course, a couple quotes from teammates doesn’t prove anything. Wentz will have to prove himself between the sidelines on Sundays, but we’d be lying if we said we said the Wentz “experiment” isn’t off to a roaring start.