by Two months after handing the key to quarterback Taylor Heinicke, the Commanders could find themselves in a QB conundrum again after Sunday’s 37-20 loss to the 49ers.
In his eighth start of the season, Heinicke hit modest numbers before coach Ron Rivera returned to Carson Wentz 30-14, 9-16 after two costly turnovers in the fourth quarter. Wentz, who remained on the bench after returning from a long stint on injured reserve, led the commanders to a touchdown on the first of his two drives in his first action since Week 6.
After the game, Rivera spoke up, which ultimately led to the decision to bench Heinicke. tell reporters The team wanted to assess how Wentz looked after eight weeks without playing.
“One thing I knew, we were going to throw the ball, and we didn’t want them to just bat at the guy, so we wanted to give Carson a chance, let him throw the ball around a bit and see where he is,” Rivera said.
When asked if the move would be permanent, Rivera was noncommittal but stressed he would make a decision sooner rather than later.
“We’re going to review the tape, we’re going to talk about these things and I’ll make a decision next week,” he said. “I’ll make it early too, because whoever starts gets the chance to work.”
Wentz’s return to the lineup came after Heinicke lost a fumble after a stripsack from Nick Bosa and threw an interception on back-to-back possessions. Before the TOs, Heinicke led Washington on an impressive four-game 75-yard TD drive that saw the QB find receiver Terry McLaurin for a 51-yard reception and four-yard completion for the score.
Heinicke finished the day 13th of 18 for 166 yards, two TDs and an INT. Wentz, meanwhile, posted a 12-of-16 stats line for 123 yards and a score.
Wentz told reporters the late-game move was “definitely weird,” but maintained he and Heinicke will be working together throughout Week 16.
“This league is crazy and luckily Taylor and I have a great relationship,” he said. “I’ve been supporting him the fuck and he’s been doing the same for me all year so a lot of things are out of our control and we control what we can and try to play and do the best we can .”
After riding at their peak with Heinicke under center, the Commanders (7-7-1) have now lost two straight points before going into a meeting with the Browns on New Year’s Day. Washington is currently clinging to No. 7 in the NFC and will likely need to win its last two games to keep its playoff hopes alive.
