It was another frustrating day for Washington fans Saturday as the Commanders fell to 7-7-1 after a 37-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
To make matters worse, Washington went into halftime locked in a 7-7 tie with the 49ers. However, Washington’s defense allowed scores on six of San Francisco’s seven second-half possessions as the 49ers outscored the Commanders 30-13 over the final 30 minutes.
The game saw Washington bench quarterback Taylor Heinicke for Carson Wentz. Wentz led the Commanders on a touchdown drive. After the game, head coach Ron Rivera was noncommital about a starter for next week.
How did Washington fans view the benching?
We compile some of the top Twitter reactions from Washington’s Week 16 loss to the 49ers.
Taylor Heinicke
Pulling the plug on Taylor Heinicke when he has posted this stat line against the number 1 defense in the league shows exactly what the Commanders have thought all along. They never gave him a chance. pic.twitter.com/bz852OUwCj
— Tim Donnelly (@DonnellySports) December 25, 2022
It's the most Taylor Heinicke thing ever that Rivera was going to bench him if he got off to a bad start today and he's in SF taking on the best defense in football and he's having his best game of the season.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 24, 2022
It's being reported that Heinicke is visible pissed. Here's tip. Don't turn the ball over on back to back possessions.
— Disco (@discoque5) December 24, 2022
More Heinicke
Purdy is what the Heinicke Hive is brainwashed into thinking Heinicke is.
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) December 25, 2022
Considering opponent and the number of 3rd and longs, best half of the season for Taylor Heinicke.
— Kevin Sheehan (@kevinsheehanDC) December 24, 2022
Watching Taylor Heinicke pic.twitter.com/YReqvcfXww
— Mark Kremer (@mark_kremer) December 19, 2022
Not for nothing, but Taylor Heinicke has done a damn good job thus far. Couldn’t ask for much more.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) December 24, 2022
Carson Wentz
Rivera will now have his justification to do what he wants, which is to play Wentz. Everyone in WC contention lost. Buckle up.
— Danny Rouhier (@funnydanny) December 25, 2022
If Carson Wentz wins the next two and gets the team to the playoffs, I think Rivera runs it back with him in 2023.#HTTC
— Tae & Todd Commanders Podcast (@TaeNToddPodcast) December 25, 2022
Wentz is the better QB. But that gets masked by this putrid O-line. You can’t put your assets into a statue QB and then fail to address his protection. Personnel decisions have been a disaster these past few years.
— Eric Sully (@CommandersRealm) December 24, 2022
Carson Wentz Watch is alive and well in San Fran right now pic.twitter.com/ujet0H2wtk
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 24, 2022
Scott Turner
Scott Turner do anything besides run it up the middle on first down challenge (IMPOSSIBLE!)
— Nate (@BarstoolNate) December 24, 2022
LOOK AT OUR TIGHT ENDS 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
PLEASE SEND SCOTT TURNER TO THE FUCKING MOON pic.twitter.com/zvnhj2ClYU
— Bucket (@Bucket_WFTFan) December 24, 2022
Scott Turner has to go these play calls are so predictable every week.
— Zac (@DCzWall) December 24, 2022
Scott Turner looking like he holding in a sneeze everytime they put the camera on him
— Jamual (@LetMualTellit) December 24, 2022
More Turner
I know one thing. I’m not about to spend my Christmas arguing about Ron Rivera, Scott Turner and Wentz Vs Heinicke
Merry Christmas Everybody!!!!!
— Donnell (@D_Wright_One) December 25, 2022
SEASON OVER BECAUSE SCOTT TURNER HAS THE IQ OF A BRICK AND THE REFS SUCK ASS pic.twitter.com/1N9kbQf0qt
— 𝕊𝕨𝟛𝟛ℙ (@JahanOROTY) December 19, 2022
Another Scott Turner masterclass! pic.twitter.com/rhM0ajfJh2
— (7-7-1) Pain (@McLaurinForSix) December 24, 2022
We could have Josh Allen under center and still would be awful with Scott Turner calling the plays
— Ben Vasconcellos (@bvasco45) December 24, 2022