
As the NFL's regular season approaches its showdowns, the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to strategically rest their starting squad, including star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, against the Denver Broncos, as reported by Mile High Sports. This move arrives after the Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC on Christmas Day, rendering this upcoming game less critical for their postseason ambitions.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are on the cusp of a playoff return, a scenario made slightly less daunting without the Chiefs' A-list athletes on the field. Even with the backups stepping in, Broncos head coach Sean Payton has refused to overhaul his game plan, expressing in a conference call obtained by Denver7 his intention to "approach it like you’re seeing starters at these positions." A victory over Kansas City would punch Denver's ticket to the postseason, a feat the franchise hasn't achieved in almost a decade.
Stepping into Mahomes' cleats is none other than Carson Wentz, a seasoned quarterback who's seen his fair share of NFL crests and troughs. Wentz joined the Chiefs as the understudy to Mahomes this offseason, boasting an impressive resume despite a few recent, less stellar years. Wentz's minimal playtime this season hasn't gone unnoticed; he's been acknowledged by his teammates for his professionalism and skill. "Carson is an elite QB and a lot of people take that for granted," fullback Carson Steele remarked, as per CBS News Colorado.
Wentz brings to the field a history peppered with Pro Bowl credentials and an 11-2 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, although subsequent seasons dealt Wentz a mix of challenges and setbacks in performance. Yet, his decision to sign with the Chiefs was made as much for the chance to mentor under Mahomes as it was to possibly rekindle his career ambitions. Wentz has kept his competitive edge sharp, adamantly stating, "I've stayed locked in, stayed ready, prepared every week," he said, as noted by CBS News Colorado. With the Manning-like ability to quickly adapt and seize the helm, the upcoming game presents Wentz an opportunity to demonstrate that his past Pro Bowl nods were no fluke and that he still possesses the chops to lead on the gridiron, regardless of whether it's in a starting role or as the second-string sage.