Ron Rivera is absolutely correct to be concerned about Carson Wentz’s playing time Saturday.
During Thursday’s time with the media, Rivera implied and then confirmed with the Commanders top three guards (Andrew Norwell, Wes Schweitzer, Trai Turner) all being injured and doubtful for Saturday, maybe it would not be such a good idea to have Carson Wentz out there too long.
Carson Wentz has a big arm, and the Commanders have good speed at wide receiver, but it takes more time if you are going to go deep. What if Wentz would not have much time Saturday? Might Scott Turner elect to provide Wentz just a couple of possessions with strict orders he is only to take the three and five-step drops and quickly get rid of the ball.
Since the trade for Wentz was made on March 9, many in Philadelphia and Indianapolis made sure Washington fans thought Wentz was an emotional snowflake. Even worse, Colts owner Jim Irsay criticized Wentz heavily, calling him “a mistake,” and word leaked out that Irsay felt Wentz was not a leader because Wentz had not been vaccinated.
Months later, the Commanders have had their mandatory and voluntary workouts, and now training camp has also concluded. Wentz has been a leader. He has remained positive, resolute and quietly determined. He has not resembled a player difficult to coach, as we were told he had been in his previous two NFL homes.
Don’t forget, Commanders fans, that you have not had winning seasons since 2015 (9-7) and 2016 (8-7-1). Commanders fans hated on Kirk Cousins and blamed him for the collapse of the 2016 playoff hopes. Yet, isn’t it time to admit Washington has not even sniffed a winning season since those two Cousins seasons?
All Carson Wentz attempts in preseason game week 1⤵️#HTTC pic.twitter.com/Lq2VPLloQp
— Tae & Todd Commanders Podcast (@TaeNToddPodcast) August 15, 2022
For all of the criticism, both locally and nationally, Wentz has endured in his short time in the burgundy and gold, he has shown himself capable of handling it.
Carson Wentz is an upgrade at the quarterback position to what Washington has had since Cousins. Who could blame Rivera if he determines to play Wentz very little Saturday? So why risk Wentz taking a shot to his throwing shoulder? Isn’t it more important for Wentz to be healthy and ready to go in Week 1 against the Jaguars?
