NFL analyst assesses Chiefs’ chances with Carson Wentz after news on Patrick Mahomes’ ankle injury
Patrick Mahomes is on availability watch after injuring his ankle against the Cleveland Browns. According to Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs quarterback is considered "week to week." This has turned attention to backup quarterback Carson Wentz.
Speaking on Monday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Chris Simms addressed whether he viewed the 2024 version of Carson Wentz as "capable."
"Could they win two of these three games with Carson Wentz and play a style in which we saw them play through the defense, he takes care of the ball and maybe can make a play here or there? They're certainly capable," Simms said. "The Kansas City Chiefs have definitely proven to us that they are more than just Patrick Mahomes." [05:51:06:24].
Simms also mentioned the infamous Chad Henne playoff win in the 2022-23 playoffs against the Jacksonville Jaguars as precedent for backup quarterbacks ascending when replacing Patrick Mahomes.
Retracing Carson Wentz's unconventional journey since MVP-caliber Super Bowl season
The potential starter for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16 hasn't been in the spotlight like this in quite some time, but he has been in a similar position before.
In 2017, Wentz took the Philadelphia Eagles into the number one seed near the end of the year when an injury ended his season. Wentz threw for 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Nick Foles came in and won the Super Bowl for Wentz, tipping off the start of questions surrounding the quarterback. Wentz slowly unraveled over the next few years, eventually getting replaced by Jalen Hurts.
Wentz spent a year with the Indianapolis Colts before a late-season playoff-killing loss sent him elsewhere. Wentz spent time with the Washington Commanders in his last long look as a starter before spending the 2023 and 2024 seasons sitting. Now, he has a shot to potentially do what Nick Foles accomplished for him.
In his career, Wentz has thrown for 153 touchdowns and 67 interceptions and has a record of 47-45-1.
Depending on how things go, his career record could be at stake. If Wentz loses two of three games to end the year, his career record will drop below .500 for the first time since his rookie season.
Will Wentz step up?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.