The Washington Commanders went 7-10 in 2021 with Taylor Heinicke as the starting quarterback. Heinicke had some good moments, but over the course of the season, his decision-making and lack of arm strength exposed him as a possible long-term starting quarterback.
Finding a long-term starting quarterback was Washington’s primary offseason goal, which led them to Carson Wentz. Many have ridiculed the trade, but the Commanders believe Wentz is a perfect fit.
Washington believes Wentz is worth a few more wins, and its defense will improve in 2022. In addition, the Commanders play a lighter schedule than in 2021 in a division that is wide open.
How do NFL executives view Washington in the NFC? The Athletic recently polled five executives from around the NFL to rank the 16 NFC teams. The Commanders came in at No. 11.
One executive had Washington as high as No. 6.
Washington went 7-10 last season with Taylor Heinicke as its primary starting quarterback. Do the Commanders win a couple more games with Carson Wentz to finish above .500? It’s not such a stretch, especially for a team facing a weak schedule of opposing quarterbacks.
“They are the tortoise in the race, and they will just be there at the end,” the voter who placed Washington sixth in the NFC said. “The coordinator (Scott Turner) and the scheme in Washington fit Wentz’s talents better, and I don’t think Wentz feels he has to carry the team. My concern is, when does Chase Young come back, and then will he be Chase Young?”
Another exec expanded on the point about Wentz and the offensive scheme in Washington.
“Wentz will probably do OK in Washington because they are going to play-action, throw those deep comebackers, let him throw the ball down the field,” this exec said. “But if Carson has to read it and really work the offense, he is not very good.”
There are certainly some encouraging nuggets there. Some just assume Wentz will fail because of his previous two seasons, ignoring that Wentz was an MVP candidate at one time.
The Commanders play a much more favorable schedule in 2022. Will that be enough to get them into playoff contention in 2022?