We’re old enough to remember when the Washington Commanders were reprimanded the national media for acquiring Carson Wentz.
You remember how it went. Folks completely ignored the variables that Wentz was the best available and most attainable quarterback at the time. Don’t forget the Seahawks rejected Washington’s monster offer for Russell Wilson.
From there, the franchise quickly pivoted to Wentz, who had essentially been exiled from the Colts, and parted with a 2022 second-round pick, 2022 third-round pick and a conditional 2023 third-rounder that’ll become a second if Wentz plays 70 percent of the snaps this year, to make it happen.
So far, the trade has been well worth it.
Wentz is a quarterback to whom fans have trouble giving their full-fledged support. It’s nothing against his character or talent. His maddening decision-making is the reason Washington is his third team in as many seasons.
Having said that, Wentz is silencing every hater who’s ever slandered him on social media. The cynics will return the second he throws an interception, but through two games Commanders fans have every reason to trust the 29-year-old.
These stats prove Commanders fans should trust Carson Wentz
4. Wentz is knocking on door of NFL leaderboards
The national media must be in shambles so see Carson Wentz rank prominently across the passing leaderboards through two weeks. While Wentz’s stats have undoubtedly been boosted by Washington’s defensive incompetence, he deserves all the credit for hitting on his abundance of pass attempts.
As we sit here today (before Thursday Night Football), Wentz’s 650 passing yards rank second amongst quarterbacks. In addition, he’s tied for first with seven touchdown passes, sixth in passer rating (100.3), eighth in yards per attempt (7.5), an area he’s struggled with in his career, and fifth in passing first downs (35).
Only the Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa has more yards and touchdowns than Wentz and most of that came in Miami’s unprecedented second half comeback against Baltimore when he threw for 469 yards and six touchdowns.
The Eagles represent the biggest challenge for Washington’s offense so far, so we’re anxious to see how Wentz and Co. perform.
3. Wentz is one of NFL’s best deep ball passers
Wentz was one of the NFL’s best deep ball passers last season. According to Next Gen Stats, only six QBs were better on deep throws than Wentz; Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, Kyler Murray and Matt Ryan.
In 17 games, Wentz finished 23-of-53 for 797 yards and seven touchdowns to three interceptions (106.3 passer rating) on deep throws. To qualify, passes must travel 20 or more yards through the air. If you watched the first two games, you won’t be surprised to hear Wentz has started scalding hot in this department.
As of Sunday night, Wentz is the only player (quarterbacks and all) with 10 plays of 20+ yards through Week 2. Not only that, but Wentz has the third-best passer rating on deep passes (20 or more air yards), per NFL Network’s LaQuan Jones.
Only Baker Mayfield and Justin Herbert have higher marks.
2. Wentz has already made Commanders history
Up until this season, Mark Rypien had the franchise record for most passing touchdowns through the first two weeks of a season with six. That record has stood since 1989. Wentz tied the record in Sunday’s loss to the Lions before he connected with Jahan Dotson for a touchdown with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Wentz now has the record all to himself. Just incredible.
QB Carson Wentz has six touchdown passes through two weeks of the season. It is the first time a Washington quarterback has had six or more touchdown passes through the first two weeks of a season since Mark Rypien did so in 1989.
— Washington Commanders PR (@Wash_PR) September 18, 2022
We knew Wentz would change the dynamic and complexion of the offense, but did anyone except this level of production already?
You know what’s better than making Washington history? Well, nothing’s better than that, but making NFL history is a pretty close second.
1. Wentz has literally made NFL history
Yes, folks, Wentz now has an NFL record all to himself after Sunday. Per NFL Research, the former second overall pick became the first quarterback to have 300 or more passing yards and three or more passing touchdowns in each of his first two starts with a new team since QB starts were first tracked in 1950.
Per @NFLResearch: Carson Wentz is the first player since QB starts were first tracked in 1950 to have 300+ pass yards and 3+ pass TD in each of his first 2 starts with a new team.
— Washington Commanders PR (@Wash_PR) September 18, 2022
Are you kidding me?! You’d think Tom Brady would have accomplished this with the Buccaneers. Nope. Russell Wilson with the Broncos? Not even close. Matthew Stafford with the Rams? Not quite. More examples include Joe Montana in Kansas City, Joe Theismann with Washington, Carson Palmer on the Raiders and Drew Bledsoe in Buffalo. The list goes on and on. Wentz has topped them all.
If these stats aren’t worth a fan’s trust, then what is? That’s not to say Wentz won’t cost Washington a game or two with his reckless tendencies, but he’s completely transformed the offense and his play deserves a 2-0 record.
If you haven’t bought into Wentz yet, what are you waiting for?