Before Washington’s Week 16 game against the San Francisco 49ers, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera left the door open for a potential quarterback change now that Carson Wentz was ready to go.
There was a feeling that Taylor Heinicke would have a short leash against the 49ers, which possessed the NFL’s best defense. Heinicke played well, despite a lack of a running game. While offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s playcalling kept Washington in some third-and-long situations, Heinicke converted on multiple third downs.
However, early in the fourth quarter, after a second consecutive turnover, Rivera had seen enough. He benched Heinicke and brought Wentz into the lineup.
Afterward, Rivera wasn’t ready to discuss who would start the following game. On Wednesday, ahead of Washington’s critical Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, Rivera publicly declared Wentz as the starter.
Why did Rivera turn back to Wentz?
Here are five reasons why the head coach picked Wentz over Heinicke.