Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz to end the 2022 NFL regular season a hero over the final two games.
Wentz replaced Taylor Heinicke as Washington’s starting quarterback last week, partly because of the Commanders’ recent offensive struggles. Heinicke’s turnovers over the past three games also became a problem for Rivera, leading him to give Wentz another shot.
Wentz started the first six games of the season with mixed results. Some of his old issues popped up, such as holding the ball too long, interceptions and negative plays in general. A fractured finger on his throwing hand in Week 6 forced him to injured reserve, giving Heinicke another chance as Washington’s starting quarterback.
Rivera made a decision weeks ago that Heinicke would remain as Washington’s starting quarterback but left the door open for a chance if Heinicke struggled. Over the last three games, Heinicke and the offense have left too many points on the field.
In last week’s loss to the 49ers, it felt like Rivera was looking for the right time to go back to Wentz. After back-to-back turnovers, Heinicke gave Rivera the perfect opportunity to make the switch.
The question now becomes, can Wentz lead the Commanders to the playoffs?
Rivera had at least two chances to answer if these final two regular-season games would go a long way in determining Wentz’s fate in 2023. Rivera declined, instead focusing on making the playoffs.
We named multiple reasons why Rivera went back to Wentz. Yes, this is about the playoffs and giving this team a shot in the arm over the final two weeks. And Rivera also knows that Wentz gives Washington its best chance at a passing game capable of throwing over 300 yards consistently.
However, this decision is also about 2023. Before Rivera went back to Heinicke, there was no question he wanted to see more of Wentz. No, this wasn’t about justifying his decision to trade for Wentz, but to see if bringing Wentz back at quarterback next season was a viable option. Based on his first six games, that answer was an easy no.
Now, Wentz has a chance to show Rivera and his teammates that he should be Washington’s starting quarterback in 2023. Not only do the Commanders need to see a strong performance from Wentz, but also how he handles the pressure of winning what is essentially two playoff games for Washington.
Let’s say Washington has already made a decision on Wentz; these next two games give Wentz a chance to show other quarterback-needy teams he can still play at a high level.
It’s doubtful the Commanders have made any 2023 decision regarding Wentz. They are intrigued by him and his ceiling, and the next two games are the perfect test.
If Washington decides to move on from Wentz, it can do so easily with no cap penalties. However, if Wentz plays to the level the Commanders believe he can, his chances to return next season improve dramatically, even if it means lowering his cap hit for 2023.
Can Carson Wentz be the hero Washington fans need over the final two weeks? This could be his last shot as a starting quarterback if he doesn’t deliver.
