Speaking with the media, Washington quarterback Carson Wentz realizes there are reasons the NFL has the Commanders hosting the Jaguars in the season opener.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson was the Eagles head coach from the 2016-2020 seasons. Pederson and the Eagles drafted Wentz in Pederson’s first draft with the Eagles in 2016, trading up to get Wentz with the second pick overall. Pederson and Wentz came together (2016), and they were both sent packing following the 2020 season.
“He meant a lot with the kind of whirlwind that year. I was the starter eight days before the season, all those things. He meant a lot. I thought he was a great coach, great guy, fun to be around, meant a lot over the years. Went through a lot of good and some of the bad, obviously all together, but it means a lot to me.”
However, Wentz is facing Pederson Sunday, so no question Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio have inquired into Pederson’s philosophy and methods of directing his offense. “Yeah, obviously it’s an offense I know a lot about, and I’ve been around and been involved with. So, there’s some of that, there’s always some of that everywhere you go, but I think this week will be fun to compete against him, to see him.”
“Great coach. A lot of respect for him over the years and so it’ll be interesting to see what they do, obviously it’s different with a different defensive coordinator. It’s some different pieces over there, but I know he’ll have his guys ready. I always felt ready when I played for him.”
Wentz is not only in his third city in three seasons, but he is also the first to start for the Commanders as they launch their new brand Sunday.
“I think we talk about football, football, football, football, so you can lose sight of some of those things. But at the same time, I think it’s cool to be involved in something new, and that’s what we look forward to. (We are) going out there with a new sense of a mission, so to speak and a new purpose, to some extent, but I think guys are excited for it.”
Last season ended with huge disappointment as Wentz and the Colts lost the season finale to the 2-14 Jaguars in Jacksonville 26-11, eliminating the Colts from the playoffs. What does Wentz think of facing the Jaguars in his first game this season?
“I think it obviously makes for a fun story and all that. But for me, it’s week one. It’s another football game. Last year was last year. It was a different team. I was with a different team. They were coached by a different coach. A lot of new things.”
On his third team in three years, he is obviously also with a new receivers group. “I’ve been very encouraged by the guys this year. A lot of young guys, but a lot of eagerness to get better, to learn, to keep growing together and so it’s been fun to get out there on the practice field, and I look forward to that continuing to carry over into the game.”
But make no mistake, Wentz knows all NFL quarterbacks need the big fellas up front to produce.
“I think almost everywhere I’ve been the offense has to do with the offensive line. You know, I have so much confidence in these guys and their ability to protect, to open up holes in the run game and I’m grateful for them. I’m looking forward to playing behind those guys.
