The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to trade for Carson Wentz this offseason was met with mixed reviews among fans, which was pretty puzzling when you consider that they gave up very little as far as draft capital is concerned to acquire him.
Though Wentz was largely unplayable for the majority of last season, the sheer flak he received from the media (and fans) with regards to his character and lack of leadership intangibles was shocking to watch unfold.
While the Colts have yet to hold their first practice of the offseason, Wentz has seemingly made a lasting impression on some of his new teammates and coaching staff he’s had the pleasure of meeting or conversing with thus far.
Well, this narrative continued over the weekend as Pat Mcafee reported that Wentz and wide receiver TY Hilton engaged in their first throwing session. According to the former Colts punter, the two stars absolutely hit it off.
Don’t believe us? Hilton apparently went as far as to rave about Wentz’s arm strength and asserted that they showcased immediate chemistry.
https://twitter.com/LockedOnColts/status/1379140393544032257?s=20
TY Hilton was clearly pumped after his first throwing session with Carson Wentz.
This isn’t the first we’ve heard Hilton compliment Wentz, either. During his press conference last week, Hilton revealed that the 28-year-old quarterback was one of the more persistent players on the team recruiting him to re-sign with Indianapolis.
As if that wasn’t enough to get fans in Indianapolis amped for what lies ahead, Hilton likened some of Wentz’s physical tools to that of one Andrew Luck. Bottom line? The four-time Pro Bowler is a huge fan of what Wentz brings to the table under center.
"“His skill set is pretty unique and pretty special – his ability to get out of the pocket and make plays with his arms or legs,” Hilton told reporters of Wentz. “It can only up my game, because the DBs don’t like to cover for that long, so once you break away from them and the quarterback is able to extend the play and you’re wide open and it’s a big play.”"
Hilton and Wentz working on their chemistry means the former No. 2 overall pick has already practiced with the entirety of Indianapolis’ wide receiving corps, including Hilton, Zach Pascal, Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell and even Dezmon Patmon.
#Colts QB Carson Wentz and WR Zach Pascal working out together in Indianapolis (via @ZachPascal6’s IG): pic.twitter.com/bFREF9kUPn
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) April 2, 2021
That speaks volumes to Wentz’s motivation to redeem himself after a forgettable 2020 campaign, in which he tied for the league lead in interceptions (15) and ranked second to last in passer rating (72.8), completion percentage (57.4%) and yards per attempt (6.0).
After all, he officially joined the Colts’ roster just three weeks ago. We know some of these workouts transpired shortly after terms of the trade were agreed upon in February, but it still says a lot that Wentz has already connected with all five of his receivers.
We know Wentz won’t be able to prove anything from a football standpoint until the start of next season, but the early signs of his tenure suggest that he’s not going to have much trouble winning over the respect of the locker room, and that alone should thrill fans.
Colts’ trade for Carson Wentz validated after Jets-Panthers deal for Sam Darnold
The New York Jets and Carolina Panthers worked out a deal for Sam Darnold, but the Indianapolis Colts' trade for Carson Wentz was better.