Colts: Results of Carson Wentz trade are kind of a bad look for the Eagles

After a putrid 2020 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Carson Wentz was dealt away by the Indianapolis Colts in a move that signified the beginning of the Jalen Hurts era. Chris Ballard and Frank Reich pounced on the opportunity to acquire Wentz, seeing this as a perfect opportunity to buy low on him.

When Reich was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia during the North Dakota State alum’s breakout year, he had Wentz performing at a borderline MVP level before an injury. Wentz regressed in 2020, sure, but Indianapolis assumed that was due to the chaotic work environment, poor receiving talent around him, and shambolic offensive line.

The Colts trades multiple draft picks, including one that is on track to become a first-round choice if the QB keeps playing all of Indy’s snaps, in order to acquire Wentz and his hefty contract. The numbers might make this trade look like a draw so far, but No. 2 has slowly been getting better every week.

While the Eagles have been taken for a ride on the Hurts roller coaster in the first few games of the season, Wentz has found his footing. Wentz has the lowest interception percentage in the league and has started to heat up of late, throwing six touchdowns in three games, two of which were wins.

Did the Colts win the Carson Wentz trade?

Statistically, Hurts has been solid (2-1 TD/INT ratio, five rushing TDs), as his ability to run the football has kept the Eagles in plenty of games. Unfortunately, considering his issues throwing over the middle of the field and inaccuracies deep down the field, there is a lot to work on when it comes to his abilities as a passer.

Not only is their fate the combination of Hurts’ deep accuracy struggles and Nick Sirianni’s play-calling, but the consistent losing might put them in a position to draft a young quarterback in 2022 and restart the clock. Hurts belongs in the NFL, but should the Eagles have really ditched a Pro Bowl talent like Wentz for him?

Meanwhile, the Colts have been opening up the passing game for Wentz of late, and he’s responded with three of his best individual games of the season…which would’ve also highlighted his 2020 season, too. Considering some of the competition Indianapolis has faced, that’s a reason for Wentz and this organization to hold their head high.

A first-round pick is all well and good, but if there is uncertainty at quarterback and some questions about the direction of the franchise, the pick won’t be as much of an immediate fix. Indianapolis, meanwhile, may have stumbled upon a quarterback who can lead them for the next few seasons.

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