Colts frustration with Carson Wentz is about more than his play
The Indianapolis Colts are likely to move on from Carson Wentz and reports suggest that it’s not just about the quarterback’s play.
The morning of the Super Bowl, it was reported that the Indianapolis Colts are likely to release or trade Carson Wentz by March 19. Every passing day, that looks like more of a reality.
Since the initial report, everyone has assumed Indy came to this decision because of Wentz’s play down the stretch of the season. The Colts were one win away from a playoff spot with two games left and lost both.
Many players on Indy underperformed in those games and Wentz was one of them. Unfortunately for Carson, many viewed this as a validating moment for the belief that Wentz is unable to deliver in the clutch.
With a roster as talented as the Colts, it would be understandable if they wanted to upgrade from an inconsistent quarterback to maximize the team’s championship window.
While that may be a factor, recent reports suggest that the decision by Indianapolis is about more than Wentz’s on-field ability. According to Bob Kravitz, senior writer at The Athletic, there are some “behind closed doors” issues with Wentz as well.
Bob Kravitz just said on Sirius XM radio that the Colts are very likely to release Wentz. Cited things that happened “behind closed doors” more than his collapse at season’s end.
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) February 23, 2022
Colts reportedly have internal issues with Carson Wentz
It’s not clear exactly what the internal issues are that Kravitz was alluding to, but his statement of non-performance issues aligns with other reports on Wentz’s time in Indy.
Recently, Jeff Darlington, of ESPN, joined NFL Live to report on Wentz’s relationship with the team, saying “The Colts didn’t necessarily fall in love with him from the leadership perspective.”
Darlington went on to detail how during the Week 18 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he watched Wentz from the sideline and just felt “the vibe wasn’t there.”
.@JeffDarlington on Carson Wentz's leadership during #Colts loss vs. Jaguars:
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) February 20, 2022
"I was standing on that sideline the whole time watching Carson Wentz. The vibe wasn't there, man." pic.twitter.com/o7z6aAAdFP
In fairness to Wentz, these reports contrast everything his teammates have said about him throughout, and after, the season.
Running back, Jonathan Taylor, said that he loves Wentz in the locker room and on the field. Linebacker, Darius Leonard, referred to Wentz as a “true warrior” and said he always puts the team first.
Both of these statements were made during the week leading up to the Super Bowl. Wentz received even more positive words from his teammates throughout the season.
However, Wentz’s teammates aren’t the people who will make the decision to keep or move on from him. That decision will be made by head coach, Frank Reich, general manager, Chris Ballard, and owner, Jim Irsay.
