The Indianapolis Colts’ success in 2021 and beyond will be riding on the shoulders of newly-minted quarterback Carson Wentz.
It’d be easy for fans to feel nervous about how Wentz will perform after he was arguably the worst QB in the league with the Eagles last season, but everything we’ve heard about the former No. 2 overall pick suggests he’s poised for a bounce-back year.
From practicing with his new teammates before the Colts even announced the trade, to receiving rave reviews from the coaching staff and already establishing a connection with the fan base, Wentz feels right at home in Indianapolis.
Want another reason to feel bullish on Wentz’s outlook? DeForest Buckner, who, despite being a destructive force along the defensive line, is a soft-spoken character and even he couldn’t find enough words to praise Wentz’s leadership and potential to enjoy a monster comeback year.
Colts DeForest Buckner talks Carson Wentz, vaccination and more on the Rich Eisen Show https://t.co/kOJPtrL6TW
— IndyStarSports (@IndyStarSports) June 29, 2021
Colts fans will love DeForest Buckner’s comments on Carson Wentz.
During a recent appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” here’s what Buckner had to say about his new quarterback.
"“I love the guy,” Buckner told Eisen. “I mean he came in ready to work. He’s a man on a mission. Carson’s a great guy on and off the field. I can see the leader that he is. He definitely is a leader of men.“I can’t wait to see what he does this year. Being able to have a fresh start, that’s what I think he just needed. He needed to get out of Philly and get a fresh start.“I mean he’s got a great o-line in front of him to keep him upright and he’s got a lot of weapons on offense to dish the ball to. It’s gonna be really fun to see him come back this year.”"
That, right there, is music to the ears of Colts fans. If you couldn’t tell by those comments, Wentz and Buckner have formed a close bond over the last few months. Not only did Wentz reach out to Buckner almost immediately following the trade, but the Buckner’s apparently hosted the Wentz’s for dinner during OTAs, according to the Indy Star.
Chris Ballard is one of the best GMs in the league when it comes to identifying talent. It’s clear that he’s not afraid to trade early picks for players that he’s comfortable with adding to the roster.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 18, 2021
Did it with DeForest Buckner last year and now with Carson Wentz.
We normally wouldn’t read too much into teammates raving about a player who was recently acquired via trade, as slamming Wentz would be a PR nightmare.
However, if our notes are correct, Buckner’s praise for Wentz now means that Darius Leonard, Michael Pittman, Nyheim Hines, Eric Fisher and Buckner have all showered praise on the 28-year-old quarterback’s behalf.
If that doesn’t convince fans to buy into the hype, then nothing will.
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