ASSHBURN, Va. — The Commander Washington trades for midfielders Carson Wentz final season for a reason: They see him as more of an upgrade Taylor Heinicke.
It makes sense for them to switch to Wentz again with two games left and a playoff spot at stake. Washington announced on Wednesday morning that Wentz would return to the starting lineup. He broke his right ring finger on October 13 and spent the past two games on the active roster as a substitute for Heinicke.
In Wentz’s absence, Heinicke guided the Commanders to a 5-3-1 record at the start and put them in the thick of the playoff hunt. But after three consecutive games without a win where the offensive team struggled to score, the Commanders will go back to Wentz in the team’s last two games against the team. Cleveland Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox) and dalas cowboy.
Here’s what you need to know about migration.
Carson Wentz will be our starting QB this Sunday against Cleveland
https://t.co/onplVq7EBW pic.twitter.com/1cwJ44d0AS
– Commander Washington (@Commanders) December 28, 2022
Why now?
Many reasons. Washington is leading 0-2-1 in the past three games and while it’s certainly not entirely Heinicke’s fault, the foul hasn’t been effective enough despite a strong attack. The Commander’s offense has scored 23 or more points twice in the past eight games – and none in the past five.
Violation of the red zone is a major problem. In Heinicke’s eight full appearances before being late to the bench in Saturday’s 37-20 loss at San Francisco 49ers, Washington ranked 13th in total yards but 26th in the red zone and 27th in third drop. Heinicke isn’t the only one to blame, but he also plays a position where the Commanders have an alternative they consider the better option.
What does this mean for Wentz’s future?
Washington needs to decide if he’s their quarterback for 2023 – and possibly a few years from now.
Washington gave up two third-round picks and swapped second-round picks last season to get Wentz from Indianapolis. The Commanders also absorbed his $28 million cap in 2022. While that’s not an exorbitant price tag, it’s expensive enough to suggest they see him as a test. lasted for more than a year.
However, Wentz had no money left over the last two years of the contract. That means Washington can cut him without any cap penalty. But team sources say the Commanders are not looking for another quarterback this season.
If Wentz plays well — winning the last two and perhaps one in the knockout stages — then Washington could extend him, lowering his $26.7 million cap in 2023.
Wentz has started six games this season, so the Commanders need to see more. It wasn’t the main reason they made the move, but it was one aspect of the decision.
How has criminal behavior changed?
If Washington is smart, the identity won’t change, but the possibility of a more diverse bypass attack will.
Wentz hit 38 or more passes in each of the first five games and four passed 40 times. Washington took a 1-4 lead in those games. With Wentz and the receiver Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel, offensive coordinator Scott Turner opted for a pass-heavy philosophy. In Wentz’s first six starts, Washington ranked 20th in runs and 25th in the first half of those games.
However, in nine games under Heinicke, the Commanders hit 33 or less passes seven times and 29 or less four times in a 5-3-1 span. The Commanders tied with Chicago for the most runs during this time period.
The commanders want to run the ball with Brian Robinson Jr.. use a lot of power diagrams inside. Robinson missed Wentz’s first four starts after being shot twice in the right leg during an armed robbery on August 28 and only started running as recently as they predicted he would join. training camp. In the past four games, he has dashed 348 yards and averaged 4.77 yards per shot.
That sets up Washington’s dramatic offensive. But here’s a problem: With Wentz, the Commanders have managed to throw as many thirds as they have eight under Heinicke. With Wentz’s stronger arm, they believe they could use more of the field – but that’s assuming he gets the ball out at the right time and doesn’t receive the ball like he did earlier in the season (23, tied for second place). top of the league).
Over the next two weeks, Washington faces two weak defenses at the Browns (25th) and Cowboys, (22nd). Both teams also placed 21st and 20th, respectively, in yards per attempt to pass the act of play. Washington can run the ball well and enjoys action.
What does this mean for Heinicke’s future in Washington?
Heinicke will be a free agent after the season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Washington re-sign him. But team sources say the Commanders still see him as a high-quality backup, someone capable of helping the team win multiple games should he have to.
But there is another factor: Brand chosen Sam Howell in the fifth round of the 2022 draft and like how he developed. Team sources said they liked Howell before the draft and if they hadn’t traded for Wentz last season, they might have picked him higher. Heinicke’s future here may be more tied to Howell than to Wentz.
However, it was difficult for Heinicke to walk. Over the past two years, Washington has played 12-11-1 when Heinicke started.
But over the past two seasons, the offense ranks 21st in yardage and 25th in points. And during this time, the Commanders are leading 1-11 in games when the opponent scores 24 or more points. In other words: They need to attack more and play more consistently in midfield. That’s why they went after Wentz last year but are glad Heinicke is still here.
How does the move affect the dressing room?
Washington’s players had long gathered around Heinicke. However, more than anything, they want to win.
Rivera met with team leaders to gather their input but also to explain why he was making the change. As the coach of Carolina Newspaper, Rivera always has Cam Newton and need not worry about such a decision. But he says he’s been planning it for the past year or two in Washington.
For years Washington lacked strong leadership. That has not been the case this season with McLaurin and defensive saves by Jon Allen, among others.
While teammates respect Heinicke, love his story and respond well to him, they have been aware of his shortcomings during last season. And those flaws — arm strength among them — hasn’t changed.
Had Rivera benched Heinicke when Wentz was healthy, there might have been resistance. The team won five of its first six games under Heinicke; he drives the clutch.
In the past four games, Washington is leading 1-2-1 and ranked 19th in points scored per game. Wentz has no problem in the dressing room, but he will have to produce.
That also helps Wentz and Heinicke have a good relationship. Wentz regularly praised him, and Heinicke was one of the first people to come on off the bench to greet Wentz after he hit a touchdown pass in Saturday’s 49ers defeat. Heinicke has a personality player; Wentz is an A type personality. But the only issues that turn players around is if Wentz’s accuracy doesn’t improve from the first round and if he doesn’t produce.
