Don't Wince: Could Carson Wentz be the Answer for Steelers?
Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Adam Lovelace. Follow him on Twitter @98_lovelace
The next starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers is a topic that has already been discussed ad nauseum. Everyone has their own unique take, and everyone has their dream scenario. Despite all of the speculation, we will never know until it happens, and no matter who the next guy is, it isn’t going to please everybody. Each scenario has their own unique set of consequences.
Yet, there is one option that is not at the forefront of the conversation, and it should be. It's Carson Wentz.
Take a breath. I get it. At one point Wentz was an MVP candidate but has struggled in recent seasons. The last time the Steelers "saw" Wentz, he was doing them a favor in losing to the Jaguars. So hey, he already got the Steelers into the playoffs once, and truthfully, he can do it again.
First, let's compare him to Ryan Tannehill who threw 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions for the Titans last season. Wentz threw for 27 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. Josh Allen even threw 14 interceptions, and the two quarterbacks had a similar completion percentage at roughly 63%. Look, I understand that he is not Josh Allen. I am not saying he is even in the same stratosphere as Allen. What I am saying, is that Wentz is not as bad as the narrative surrounding him.
Recency bias is a powerful thing, and the most recent memory of him falling on his face against Jacksonville is a tough image to overcome. However, he had some promising moments as a Colt. He out played Jimmy G, who many Steelers' fans clamor over. He also competed in games against the Rams and Bucs this year. The idea of the Colts releasing him is unfathomable for me personally, but that’s the way it's trending.
Here is why Wentz, in my mind, is the best option for the Steelers. The first thing is, the Steelers would be the perfect structure for Wentz. The Steelers have a better defense than the Colts, especially with the addition of Brian Flores. The Steelers also have better weapons than the Colts as well. The Colts receiving core consists of an old T.Y. Hilton, an average Michael Pitman Jr, Zach Paschal, and Parris Campbell.
In comparison, the Steelers have Diontae Johnson, a developing Chase Claypool, and one of likely three free agent WR's back out of James Washington, JuJu, or Ray-Ray McCloud. The Steelers are also one of the best franchises when it comes drafting pass catchers. They also had one of the best rookie tight-ends last year in Pat Freiermuth. While the Colts may have a better running game with Jonathan Taylor, Najee Harris was fourth in the NFL in rushing yards.
The Steelers have the right combination of strength and talent so that Wentz wouldn't have to be the savior. He just needs to be capable. There were times last year where some of the talent deficiencies of the Colts forced Carson Wentz to try and be the superhero. He can do that occasionally, but just not every game. Here, the revamped defense should keep scores low and there are enough pieces on offense where Carson just has to get his playmakers the ball.
Carson also fits Pittsburgh and the environment. He is big and strong with a powerful arm, and sometimes makes some head scratching mistakes. Sound like anyone we know? Wentz also is cost-effective, believe it or not. He wouldn't cost any draft picks, compared to Jimmy G.
With the way things are trending in San Francisco, it is going to cost more than initially predicted to get Jimmy G. Getting Carson Wentz wouldn’t jeopardize the Steelers ability to draft a quarterback as well.
He may not be perfect, but I think Wentz can be a franchise guy. At the very least a very capable bridge. If the Steelers can be a playoff team with Big Ben on his last leg, then they can be a playoff team with this version of Carson Wentz. He is a poor man's Ryan Tannehill, and with the other options in Pittsburgh, I’ll take it.
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