It hasn’t been a good week for Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner. The Commanders have been outscored in the last two games by a combined 46-0 at halftime — both losses.
While the Commanders bounced back with a strong second half against the Lions in Week 2, Washington’s offense struggled the entire game vs. Philadelphia in Week 3. The Commanders allowed nine sacks in what was a complete offensive breakdown.
Quarterback Carson Wentz held onto the football for too long multiple times, the offensive line struggled, and Turner seemingly failed to adjust to what the Eagles were doing.
Now, with a big division game against the Cowboys on Sunday, Turner knows there are some things that need cleaning up.
“I think you look at obviously when you have a game like we had, I don’t think anybody’s happy,” Turner said. “So, you attack it fully, you know, head on, and you look at you, you’re honest with yourself, me personally.”
Turner understands it’s not an overnight process as each unit holds responsibility for such an ugly performance.
“So, you don’t do it all at once, but one at a time, and it starts up front as far as the protection’s concerned,” he said. “And it’s not all offensive line. I mean the quarterback has to get the ball out. I mean, obviously, we got to block people. The quarterback’s got to get the ball; guys got to get open quickly so the ball can come out, you know? And I got to make sure I’m doing a great job of getting those guys in position to make plays.”
The last part of Turner’s answer is 100% accurate. He must do more to put his players in the best positions to succeed. Washington has a terrific group of skill players. Each has different strengths. If the offensive line or Wentz is struggling, it’s up to Turner to scheme opportunities for his best players.
It will not get any easier against the Cowboys in Week 4. Dallas leads the NFL in sacks. Therefore, Wentz could be in store for another long day.
