Carson Wentz has not been a stationary player on the sidelines since joining the Rams in November.
The seasoned quarterback breaks into a run as though dodging a rush. He throws passes as though he’s planning a two-minute drive that wins the game.
Wentz, though, was never given the opportunity to demonstrate in a game that he was still a potential NFL starter, as Matthew Stafford guided the Rams to a postseason berth.
On Sunday, that chance presents itself.
Wentz will start in the starting lineup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium because head coach Sean McVay is resting Stafford and a few other starters.
As a starter, will Wentz be as involved on the sidelines as he was as a backup?
“Perhaps a little bit,” he replied. “I’m no longer a 22-year-old spring chicken. I have to figure out how to stay warm and fresh at the age of thirty-one.”
Wentz, the second-overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft behind Jared Goff, hasn’t started a game since January 1, 2022, when he was a member of the Washington Commanders.
The No. 6 Rams would be able to keep their seed and face the Detroit Lions in a wild-card round if they defeated the 49ers, the NFC’s top seed. The Rams would drop to the No. 7 seed and face the Dallas Cowboys if they lose and the Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears.
Wentz remarked, “I’m eager to go get a chance and, yes, there’s still some stuff to play for and things at stake, and it’s January.” Wentz remarked. “I’m excited for it because I haven’t played a game in a long time.”
The Philadelphia Eagles were where the 6-foot-5, 237-pound Wentz spent his first five NFL seasons. After sustaining a season-ending knee injury against the Rams in 2017, he seemed headed for a potential MVP award. Nick Foles took over and guided the Eagles to the Super Bowl.
Wentz was traded by the Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts prior to the 2021 season. Prior to the 2022 season, he was traded to the Commanders and was freed in February of last year.
As a starter, Wentz has a 46-45-1 record. He has completed 151 passes for touchdowns and 66 interceptions.
Wentz did not attempt a pass during his brief playing time during the Rams’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals on November 26. He has spent the majority of his time in game-like settings during practice as the quarterback for the scout team.
Coaches and players for the Rams anticipate that Wentz’s game experience will show against the 49ers.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur stated, “This is a guy that’s played some high-level ball in his career and he believes, and so do I, that he still has a lot of that out there for him.”
Before Wentz was selected from North Dakota State, Stafford, 35, had spent seven seasons as an NFL player. Wentz claimed to have observed Stafford from a distance and gained knowledge from seeing him both on and off the field.
Wentz stated, “We see all the highlights, we see all the crazy arm angles and how he can make all the throws, but it’s been fun to work with him just in this film room, just what he does off the field, and just how he sees the game.”
“I’ve just been soaking it all in, trying to learn everything I can to be prepared.”
One Rams starter who is out on Sunday is star receiver Cooper Kupp. Wentz will target receivers Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell.
Nacua, who is on the verge of setting NFL rookie receiving records, stated, “I think it will be easy to find the connection in some of the [practice] reps that will come this week. Go out there and have faith that I’ll be in the right place and able to come down with it because when he puts the ball out there, it’s the same thing as Matthew.”
Robinson remarked, “I’m sure he’s caught up to the rhythm and what’s going on, since he’s been here for a minute. It should go fairly easily, in my opinion. He is skilled at what he does.”
Wentz will have a complete complement of protection because McVay is not anticipated to rest offensive linemen. Additionally, Royce Freeman and Ronnie Rivers are anticipated to switch roles and give Wentz extra pass protection even though running back Kyren Williams is expected to miss games.
About the quarterback, McVay remarked, “Just excited to be able to see him go compete, do his thing.”
This week, Wentz has taken first-team reps instead of following Stafford around and rehashing plays after practice.
He was happy to be organized and approach things with a beginner’s perspective.
“it kind of starts to hit your brain differently because it’s built for you.” Regarding the game plan, he said. “It’s designed for your strongest suit. .. You can definitely feel a little less stressed knowing that you’re going to play. It’s not necessary for me to simply wait and see what occurs.”
After Stafford suffered a spinal injury last season and backup quarterback John Wolford tried to play through it, the Rams signed quarterback Baker Mayfield in December. Before joining the Rams, the former first overall pick had been a member of the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns.
In five games, Mayfield demonstrated enough to be given a chance to start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers have an 8-8 record under Mayfield’s direction and could make the playoffs.
Wentz surely hopes to use his Rams background in a similar way to earn a starting NFL position in 2024. He stated that he is now more concerned with the 49ers than with his future.
“Going out there and trying to help this team win is still my job; we can figure all that out later,” he stated. “But I’m looking forward to it and enjoying it.”