Everyone knew that was going to happen. Carson Wentz had a classic Carson Wentz performance as he threw for under 150 yards and 3 INTs to doom the Commanders to yet another season outside the playoffs.
I’ll never understand why Ron Rivera though it was a good idea to start a quarterback that has not only been notorious for blowing big games in epic fashion throughout his career, but has also not started an NFL game in nearly three months? I don’t even think that Riverboat Ron knows why he did it as he apparently didn’t even realize the Commanders were on the verge of playoff elimination.
The Commanders were in their most perilous position they’ve faced all year long as they were in the midst of a three-game winless streak (2 losses, 1 tie), their offense had sputtered out to average just 248 passing yards/game, 17.3 points/game, and just 28% on 3rd down conversions, and they were on the verge of elimination if they lost to the Browns, and the Packers won over the Vikings (which is exactly what happened).
Simply put, the Washington offense was suffering as Taylor Heinicke, despite putting up some of the best stats over a three game stretch this season with averages of 230 yards and 2 TDs per game, was unable to bring his Commanders teammates over the finish line like before.
It was clear that the Commanders needed a spark of energy…which is what Rivera gave them when he benched Heinicke for Wentz in garbage time of the 49ers vs. Commanders game. And the spark somewhat worked as Carson Wentz was able to lead the Commanders down the field with 12/16 completion for 123 yards and Washinton’s second TD of the day, helping the score to look a little better.
However, just because Carson Wentz was able to lead the Commanders on a touchdown drive, that doesn’t mean he should have been given the starting quarterback role in a must-win game, Ron! We’ve seen all throughout Carson Wentz’s career that whenever he’s faced with an important/meaningful game his team must win, he chokes in hilarious fashion.
And that’s exactly what he did against the Cleveland Browns as he completed just 57% of his passes for 143 yards, he helped the Commanders score just 10 points, and he threw a season-high 3 interceptions against the 15th overall ranked defense in the league. It’s not like he was up against the Bills, 49ers, or Ravens powerhouse units, but rather a team that literally has nothing to play for as they were eliminated from the playoffs last weekend.
Wentz played so bad that he made Deshaun Watson look like a good quarterback. And Watson only completed 50% of his 18 throws for 169 yards.
Now, I know there will be Rivera superfans that will come to his defense and say that Wentz needs to play to justify his $28M salary, but all I can say to that is…why? Why is it necessary that a 1st round bust (I’m sorry to say it, but we all know it’s true) with serious judgement and accuracy problems plays in the most important game of the year over a QB that’s better than him?
Who cares that he’s being paid nearly 28X more than Heinicke? It shouldn’t have mattered over the success of the team, but you can’t change what’s done.
Ron Rivera and the Commanders fanbase will have to live with the decision to start the former #2 overall pick as they will watch yet another playoff tournament from the comfort of their couches.
As for Wentz, I think it’s the end of the line for him as a starter in this league. He’s now doomed two teams (2021 Colts, 2022 Commanders), who should have made the playoffs, to miss out down to his poor play. The truth is often uncomfortable and painful, but it always needs to be heard.
And the truth is that Carson Wentz is NOT a starting quarterback in the NFL and has developed into a bust of a draft pick.
Images Source: Featured Image:
