Tag: 2022 Commanders anemic offense

What happened to that Commanders ‘spark?’

Ron Rivera wanted a spark when he made the quarterback change. It never came.

The Washington Commanders today started a different quarterback because head coach Ron Rivera said this week the team needed “a spark.”

They needed a spark at halftime is what they needed. Because that third quarter was horrible, abysmal, pathetic. The final quarter was one of fans leaving, the clock ticking and the Commanders losing 24-10.

The Commanders exited the halftime locker room leading 7-3, yet, promptly produced numbers that should leave any diehard fan frustrated and irritable. Three plays for -2 yards, followed by six plays for 20 yards, nine plays for 50 yards and a field goal, eight plays for 35 yards and an interception, four plays for 0 yards and one play for five yards.

Consequently, in the second half, the Commanders offense in 31 offensive snaps produced 108 yards or 3.48 yards per snap. In addition, seeing it is a team game, the defense managed to have the Browns outscore the Commanders 21-3 after the halftime coach’s speech. And yes, I have understood for 40 years the best defense is a good offense and vice versa.

Need a spark, huh? The Giants sure came ready to play today, whipping up on the Colts 38-10. “But it is the Colts,” you say. Does anyone following this Washington team closely believe that they would have defeated the Colts today 38-10? Of course not. Washington has shown they would have shown up and done whatever was necessary to keep the opposition in the game and lose the game.

That spark? The Lions absolutely crushed the Bears 41-10. Getting the picture here? Two other NFC teams seeking the playoffs, the Lions and Giants, generated their own “spark” all week in preparation and came ready to tear off the heads of their opposition this week. They played with an urgency. Where was the urgency for the Washington Commanders Sunday?

From where was the spark to come? The Commanders played like they were waiting for Carson Wentz or someone else to provide a spark. Did you notice the lack of intensity in the third quarter on those two Browns touchdown drives?

There was no Wilber Marshall or Dexter Manley wearing burgundy and gold Sunday, that’s for sure. Now those guys played with intensity, a spark.

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Ron Rivera looking for a spark for the Commanders

The head coach believes Wentz can provide a spark for the Commanders.

“I think where we are right now, I’m looking for a little bit of a spark, a little something different and I think now’s a good opportunity for it.”

That was Ron Rivera’s initial summary to the media Wednesday in why he has decided a move back to Carson Wentz at quarterback.

The offense struggling the last three games, Rivera realized the spark the team needed was more likely to occur with Wentz.
“Well, I think the biggest thing is he’s more comfortable with what we’re doing. That was evident in the game in spite of the fact that they knew we were gonna throw it. They kept coming and I thought he handled those situations very, very well…His decision making was very quick. So, I just think now he’s had a little bit more of an opportunity to see the rest of the offense.”

Rivera kept being reminded of why the team traded for Carson Wentz in the offseason.
“I thought about his ability to make certain throws as well. I think that’s a big part of why he’s here obviously is because we believe he can throw the ball downfield and make those long, deep throws on the outs and on the seven routes.”

Not winning in the last three games certainly hurt Heinicke’s chances to finish the season as the starter.
“I think that’s also part of the reason behind it. I mean, the last three games we are 0-2-1 and so looking for a little something extra to give us a little something to get over the hump.”

Rivera is trusting Wentz to get the ball to his playmakers, but they are not going to desert running the ball.
“We’re gonna do what we think helps us win the game the most in all honesty. And so there’s a lot of things that we gotta be able to do.”

Wentz may not have the luxury of Antonio Gibson’s services. Gibson is battling foot and knee soreness. “It’s never about now; it’s always about how he is later in the week. So, as we get further in the week, then the concern really happens.”

Rivera had spoken Tuesday of needing to talk to some others before announcing his decision.
“Well, for the most part, I talked to several different players yesterday and just kind of explained to them what I was thinking, if they have any thoughts and listened to a few of the guys who had ideas and thoughts as well. Talked to coaches and then I talked to the quarterbacks individually and just let ’em know where I was headed.”

The offensive line will need to make some adjustments as well.
“But the shift back to Carson really is something the guys will have to get used to. Just the way the cadence goes.  It’s probably the first and foremost thing. And then secondly is again, understanding what he’s gonna do and how he can do it with the ball. ”

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Chris Cooley on Commanders offense: ‘It’s becoming an anemic offense’

Last week was a tough game for the Washington offense, and the 49ers have the NFL’s best defense.

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As usual, former Washington tight end Chris Cooley provided good insight into the Commanders’ loss to the Giants in Week 15 in his appearance on the Kevin Sheehan Show podcast Friday.

Here are some quotes from Cooley:

“The Heinicke fumble and Thibodeaux return from the 2-yard line is an unbelievable dagger to them. It is an offense that can’t score enough points, that can’t afford to give the defense points.”

“The Terry McLaurin penalty is so egregious it is unbelievable. He (the official) should be fined; he should be suspended. That can’t happen…That is b___ s ___.”

“A critical situation at the very end of the game, and you are going to flag that (McLaurin)? Then you are not going to turn around and flag a piggyback ride for pass interference?”

“Between two games, a tie and a loss, you could take eight plays and truly change it. The better team, Washington, should have won both of those ball games.”

“I think when you tie and lose (those games) I think New York is either coached better, executing better, so New York is a better team. I was wrong. Their quarterback is better.”

“What were you trying to get to in this game? They didn’t set up anything. That’s what I would continue to ask Washington, ‘What are you getting to?’ ”

“They are right now one of the worst teams in the league in creating big plays. They don’t get them.”

“There was no complement to the pass game to what was a pretty good run game in the first half with a loaded box…Robinson is getting better in part because he is getting healthier. He is quicker than he was six weeks ago. There is more of a burst. He is running with power. He looks great. He should’ve had [more] touches in that game.”

“Throughout the game, I didn’t like a lot of Heinicke… I think his grade is a D+ and Scott Turner a D.”

“San Francisco pressures ten times more than the Giants. This is a four-turnover game (vs 49ers) the way he played vs the Giants.”

There is much, much more…