Colts: NFL insider calling out Carson Wentz feels irresponsible

The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to trade for Carson Wentz earlier this offseason was met with mixed reviews among fans, and understandably so.

After all, not only were they acquiring someone who seemingly struggles when faced with off-field adversity (like being benched), but they were handing the keys of their offense to a QB who was genuinely unplayable for most of last season.

Despite all that, however, most fans understood the reports regarding Wentz’s supposed character issues were overblown.

Additionally, his upside under center as well as the previous success he enjoyed with head coach Frank Reich were too promising to pass up.

However, that wasn’t enough to stop NBC Sports columnist Peter King from absolutely eviscerating Wentz during an appearance on the “Eagle Eye” podcast this week.

The veteran insider event went as far as to blame Wentz for his falling out in Philadelphia.

It doesn’t appear NFL insider Peter King is a big fan of Carson Wentz.

Not only did King blame Wentz for fracturing his relationship with the Eagles and former head coach Doug Pederson — which says a lot considering the recent scathing reports that have dropped detailing the perpetual dysfunction within the organization — but he went as far as to endorse the selection of Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 Draft.

"“I’m honestly mind-boggled by the reaction of Carson Wentz,” King said. “This is the big-boy league. You’ve got to understand that the best part of ability is availability, and if you’re not there or might not be there, that team has to buy insurance for if you’re not there.“I believe – and one of the reasons why I thought Jalen Hurts was a good pick – that the backup quarterback is one of the most important people on your team. Because you better be sure that if your starting quarterback gets hurt, your season isn’t over.”"

It’s duly noted that Wentz has had durability issues throughout his career, but that can be attributed to the revolving door of offensive linemen the Eagles deployed. Even still, those concerns have been exaggerated a bit. Over his first five seasons, he’s missed a grand total of eight games. That doesn’t include the 2018 playoffs, but you get the point.

Getting beyond that, however, King went on to flame Wentz for the lack of professionalism or maturity he displayed when the Eagles drafted Hurts.

"“He obviously responded very negatively to Jalen Hurts being drafted,” King said. “Like, ‘Oh my God, they’re bringing in somebody to take my place or to put pressure on me or to play mind games,’ whatever it is he’s thinking. He’s probably never going to say it, but we know that he’s got to be ticked off about this.”"

We respect the work King does for NBC Sports, but these comments seem a little irresponsible, don’t they? It’s one thing to imply that Wentz was annoyed that the Eagles used a second-round pick on his backup when they could’ve used it on another receiver or offensive lineman.

What kind of athlete wouldn’t be bothered by that? To say the former No. 2 overall pick “responded negatively” to the selection, however, seems a little out of bounds, especially since it’s all speculation.

There’s no doubting that Wentz should absorb some of the blame for how his Eagles tenure ended, but to pin it all on his shoulders when there was clear dysfunction among the franchise’s higher-ups just seems like a strange hill to die on for King.

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