Though Carson Wentz’s journey to become a member of the Los Angeles Rams isn’t exactly an underdog story, everyone enjoys a good one.
Wentz was given an opportunity to start over in the NFL, having been selected second overall in the 2016 Draught, when he was officially signed by the Rams on Wednesday. That made him the exact opposite of a “underdog,” though he has since lost favour in the league after being benched by the Eagles, Colts, Commanders, and so on.
And right now? There is an injury affecting Matthew Stafford. The Rams need a player. And Tony Dungy, the Hall of Fame coach, is enthusiastic about the game.
Dungy posted on social media Tuesday night, “I wish @cj_wentz the best with this move,” “I think he can benefit the Rams while Stafford works to regain full health.”
Dungy’s assertion is not supported by any numerical data. Wentz does, however, have that draft-day pedigree despite his (sudden!) thirty years of age. 6-5 and 237 pounds is his height. At North Dakota State, he excelled.
And Dungy has always liked him, for what that’s worth.
Longtime NBC analyst Dungy had predicted back in January 2018 that Wentz would emerge as “the best quarterback in the league in a very short time.”
Dungy was erroneous.
Once again, Dungy predicted that Wentz would turn the Colts into “Super Bowl contenders” after Wentz joined the team in 2021.
Again, Dungy was gravely mistaken.
Along with journeyman Brett Rypien, who threw for 130 yards and an interception in Sunday’s 20-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Wentz is “coming off the couch” as he joins the Rams.
Maybe Wentz can achieve some success under Rams head coach Sean McVay’s tutelage. The Rams, who are currently 3-6, would much rather see Stafford’s thumb injury heal as they prepare for their bye week and return home to play the Seahawks on November 19.