Wentz: Colts ending 'tough to swallow'

Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz admitted Thursday the team's poor finish to the 2021 regular season was a shock.

In his inaugural press conference with the Washington Commanders, the 29-year-old signal-caller also said he was "definitely surprised" by how his tenure in Indianapolis concluded, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.

Indianapolis dealt Wentz just a year after acquiring him from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for multiple draft picks. The Colts missed the playoffs in 2021 after ending the regular season with two losses in which Wentz threw just two touchdowns to one interception.

The Commanders acquired the veteran signal-caller when the teams swapped 2022 second-round picks, and Washington also gave up a third this year and a conditional third in 2023.

"I think it was a year that had highs and lows, ups and downs, Wentz said. "But the way we finished, the way I finished, was horrible. It was horrible. It was tough to swallow."

The veteran passer led the Colts to a 9-8 record as a starter after throwing for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Wentz also brushed off a report that his lack of leadership - among other qualities - led to his departure from Indianapolis.

"There (is) truth in some things, but if we try to combat every report, we run out of things to say," Wentz said. "I just try to be myself. ...I strongly feel I had amazing relationships with people in Philly and in Indy."

The No. 2 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft is focused on a fresh start in a new environment for a second consecutive season. Donning burgundy and gold colors for Thursday's presser, Wentz said he feels healthy and is excited to begin working with Washington's stars, including Terry McLaurin.

Washington explored many different options in a quest to find a franchise arm. The club inquired about the availability of Aaron Rodgers and reportedly offered multiple first-round picks in an attempt to acquire Russell Wilson. It also did its homework on the Houston Texans' Deshaun Watson.

The Commanders will aim to record their first winning season since 2016.