The Washington Commanders go the first season of the . in Carson Wentz era. Despite doubts about the quarterback’s accuracy, head coach Ron Rivera isn’t “overly concerned” about the 29-year-old.
Rivera acknowledged that Wentz missed a few throws, but said the quarterback’s accuracy is “a lot better” than some are claiming.
“I think it’s a lot better than giving him credit just because of the way things happen in practice,” Rivera said of Wentz. “There are a lot of little nuances that we see, that we look at, that we can judge. Yes, there are some inaccuracies, but it’s nothing we’re too concerned about.
“Again, we see what’s going on. We see how things develop. We see the timing and just the understanding and sense of what’s going on with our concepts. As we continue to grow and work on it, we have We just feel we’ll continue to grow and get better as an attacking unit.”
Washington acquired Wentz and the No. 47 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft from the Indianapolis Colts for the No. 42 pick and two third round picks. The year before, Indianapolis acquired Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles for a first and third round draft pick. He spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Eagles, who selected him as the #2 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of the state of North Dakota.
Wentz finished the 2021 season with 3,563 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 94.6 quarterback rating, completing 62.4% of his passes. In his final season in Philadelphia, Wentz completed only 57.4% of his throws.
Taylor Heinicke was Washington’s primary quarterback in 2021 after Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered a season-end hip injury in the team’s Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Heinicke will remain with the club as the leading backup.
The Commanders come from a 7-10 campaign, which was good for third place in the NFC East. Rivera’s record is 14-19 over two seasons in Washington, which won a division title his first year.
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