Colts: Frank Reich finally commenting on Carson Wentz trade feels comforting

It feels like the Indianapolis Colts traded for Carson Wentz ages ago, but that’s because they couldn’t announce the deal until after the new league year began.

Then followed the veteran quarterback’s introductory press conference.

Up until this point, we haven’t heard a whole lot from the front office and coaching staff. It’s mostly been diplomatic speak.

Finally, we’ve heard from “the man.” Head coach Frank Reich spoke to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer about the Wentz deal and why he wanted the former Eagles signal caller.

"“Reich was also cognizant that he hadn’t coached Wentz in three years, and a lot had changed in Philly. That’s why, beyond Ballard’s extensive work—and the GM watched every NFL snap Wentz has taken multiple times—Reich was going to go in and do his own study,” Breer wrote.“All you had to do, for me, was turn on the film in 2019, and with four games to go the Eagles needed to win out,” Reich told Breer. “And not only did they need to win out, but in each of those games, as I recall, looking at the film, Carson had to play great in the second half, and play a major role in that team winning those games in the second half.“Now, they were team wins, they were team efforts, it wasn’t a one-man show,” Reich continued. “But Carson made the plays that a quarterback needs to make when you need to win four games in a row to make the playoffs. He did that, and that wasn’t 2017. That was 2019. So in my mind, that just confirmed to me this guy still has it.”"

Frank Reich explained Carson Wentz’s role with the Colts.

In short? Wentz won’t be relied upon week in and week out to lift the Colts out of disaster.

He won’t be asked to play “hero ball.” The coaching staff will ensure getting him into a rhythm takes priority, which will help the 28-year-old rediscover his form and clean up his mechanics.

It also helps that he’ll have a potent running game behind him, which was hardly a consistent aspect of Philly’s offense. Thrown in actual weapons and blockers up front — not a wide receiving corps full of practice squad players and a revolving door of an offensive line — and Wentz will have plenty of options as he scans the field while he’s protected adequately.

The world has seen what he can do with the requisite pieces around him. No offense to Philip Rivers, but the 39-year-old, who was clearly nearing the end of his career, managed to have an extremely efficient campaign during his one year with the team.

Wentz, who’s more agile and talented (at this juncture of his career), should be even more comfortable since he’s reuniting with his former offensive coordinator.

If the new-and-improved version of the Colts offense showed us anything in 2020, it’s that Reich, from a passing standpoint, loves to get the ball out quickly and ensure at least five players record receptions every game. Wentz going through his progressions, instead of running for his life while his receivers can’t get open, will be much more conducive to getting him back to his Pro Bowl form.

At the very least, Reich’s comments should make fans feel a lot better about the thought process that went into acquiring the quarterback.

Colts: Carson Wentz appearing on Pat McAfee Show is a must-watch for fans

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz appearing on the Pat McAfee Show just days after the trade became official is a must-watch for fans.