Ben Roethlisberger Comments on Carson Wentz, Browns' Decision to Pass on QB

With the Cleveland Browns already down to their third-string quarterback, fans are questioning the team's decision to pass on Carson Wentz in the 2016 draft. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger decided to twist the knife a bit. 

"I was really surprised," Roethlisberger said of the Browns trading out of the No. 2 spot and therefore passing on Wentz, per the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane. "I thought I was going to be facing him two times versus Cleveland."

The four-time Pro Bowler also praised Wentz's work through the first two weeks of the season, per Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

"

I think he's doing a really good job of that right now, letting the game come to him, not forcing it. You see him throwing balls away, not trying to make too many crazy throws down the field and using his legs when needed. He's a really smart guy, smart player, physically gifted. All that kind of helps, and his preparation's pretty good.

"

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Zach Berman noted the connection between Roethlisberger and Wentz:

Wentz was generally thought to be more of a long-term project rather than an immediate contributor in the NFL. So far, he has exceeded expectations, throwing for 468 yards and three touchdowns and helping the Eagles start 2-0.

The Browns, on the other hand, continue to be snakebitten at quarterback. Robert Griffin III will miss at least half the season with a shoulder injury, while Josh McCown is dealing with a shoulder injury of his own. That leaves rookie Cody Kessler to start Sunday against Miami Dolphins.

It's tempting to contrast Wentz's success with Cleveland's bad luck. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller doesn't believe it's as simple as the Browns drafting Wentz and turning their fortunes around:

The Washington Redskins gave up a king's ransom in order to move up in the 2012 draft and select Griffin. During RG3's rookie season, the high cost seemed to be justified, as he took the league by storm. Then he got injured and hasn't been the same player again.

Wentz appears to be the franchise QB the Eagles have lacked since trading Donovan McNabb in 2010, but a lot can change over the next few years—or even the next few weeks.

Until Wentz's hot streak ends, though, the second-guessing of the Browns is unlikely to cease.