Colts: Carson Wentz’s stats with a clean pocket could make all the difference

The main worry for many Indianapolis Colts fans in the midst of the Carson Wentz trade rumors was his steep regression in 2020.

He was legitimately the worst starting quarterback in the league and it was evident Jalen Hurts was better despite the troubling circumstances in Philadelphia.

But Hurts is as mobile as they come, and while Wentz does have the ability to scramble, he’s a pocket passer first and foremost. And let’s just say if that’s your primary job, it’s much harder to perform when you’re not getting adequate protection.

The Eagles’ offensive line was a revolving door in 2020. Injuries ravaged the unit and they were starting a different combination of blockers almost every week.

How did anyone expect Wentz to succeed? Why were his league-leading 15 interceptions a surprise? They shouldn’t have been! Though Wentz certainly didn’t help out his case at times by making some poor decisions and holding onto the ball too long, that’s another aspect of his game that could be remedied in Indy.

But most importantly? The Colts’ offensive line gave Philip Rivers pristine protection in 2020. If the Colts can address the left tackle position adequately, Wentz should thrive based on this career statistic.

That is … night and day. Now, all head coach Frank Reich will have to do is help out the gunslinger when he’s pressured, because that grade is borderline unacceptable for a professional.

However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention this:

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1359698933719654402?s=20

But that could be an indictment of the Eagles’ skill position players and the many other injuries they dealt with last year.

If we know anything about the Colts offense based on what we saw in 2020, however, that shouldn’t be a problem. The system was predicated on getting the ball out quickly and spreading it around to a multitude of options. Give Wentz a loaded receiving corps and multiple capable tight ends instead of a motley crew of practice squad guys, and that production should immediately turn around.

He’ll also be protected by a stout running game, which is also greatly supported by one of the league’s best offensive lines. Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Mark Glowinski and Braden Smith have proven to be a brick wall of sorts, and that should be enough to maintain the status quo even with Castonzo’s retirement.

We’ll admit, Wentz wasn’t the sexiest of QB options out there, but the Colts are all about practicality, and it’s clear that they feel putting the former No. 2 overall pick in a favorable position could help elevate all parties in a momentous way.

Colts: Eagles ‘not happy’ with Carson Wentz trade makes it all the better

The Eagles reportedly being frustrated with the haul they received from the Colts for quarterback Carson Wentz makes it all the more satisfying.