LA Rams Matthew Stafford could’ve been a Colt

This off-season, when veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford quietly requested a trade from the Detroit Lions, he put three quarterback-needy teams on his destination wish list: The LA Rams, The San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts were all on it. The Rams were the ultimate winners of the Stafford sweepstakes, outbidding everyone by giving up a first-round pick in 2022 and 2023, along with a third-round pick and quarterback Jared Goff.

The Colts reportedly offered Detroit their 2021 first-round pick, which was the 21st pick overall, as the foundation of their trade package. The Carolina Panthers, even though they weren’t on Stafford’s list, (which wasn’t public) offered the eighth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, along with a later pick and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The 49ers were reportedly interested in Stafford as well, but never finalized a trade offer for him.

Colts’ consolation prize?

Later on in the off-season, the Colts ended up pulling off a trade of their own, acquiring Carson Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Panthers, with Sam Darnold, and the 49ers, with Trey Lance, acquired new quarterbacks as well. As the next few seasons play out, it’s going to be fascinating watching these quarterbacks with their new teams.

Although only one game has been played so far, the Rams seem very happy with their new signal-caller. On the other hand, it was a tough debut for Carson Wentz in Indianapolis.

Heading into the season, the Colts were regarded as having one of the better offensive lines in the league, but in their first game of the 2021 NFL season, they had significant issues. Even though the Colts’ offensive line is the most expensive unit in the NFL, they had a tough time protecting Wentz. Similar to Stafford, Carson Wentz likes to throw the ball downfield, but in a 28-16 loss at home against the Seahawks, the Colts managed only one play of 20 yards or more.

Although the Colts had a tough start last week, and have already fallen five spots on NFL power rankings, it’s not time to worry about Wentz. The Colts’ offensive line is banged up, with All-Pro OG Quentin Nelson, OT Eric Fisher, and OT Braden Smith all trying to get back their health. The Colts are also missing their star wide receiver, T.Y. Hilton, and most likely won’t have him back until November.

With these things in consideration, Wentz played well in Week 1, even though he himself was in question to play due to a foot injury he suffered in the off-season. If the offensive line is able to recapture their prowess, Wentz will be given more time, which should result in more explosive plays downfield. When T.Y. Hilton gets back, it will aid Wentz even more.

As the two teams face off this Sunday at 10:00 am PT at Lucas Oil Field Stadium, are the Colts already wondering if they should’ve done more to entice the Lions? Probably not yet. The offensive line has to get their health back before they can properly judge Wentz. However, it will be interesting to compare the performances of both quarterbacks this week and throughout this season in its entirety as they try to prove they can lead their respective team to a deep playoff run.