3 overlooked takeaways from Commanders’ final set of OTAs

1. Quarterbacks Look In-Sync

A veteran quarterback like Carson Wentz really has no excuse not to impress and stand out at OTAs. With that said, the 29-year-old hasn’t looked like someone who’s joined his third team in as many seasons. That can be attributed to his own person maturation; taking things day-by-day and focusing solely on what he can control as opposed to harping on the outside noise.

On top of showing evident growth as a person, Wentz has wowed teammates and coaches with his arm talent. Wentz and Jahan Dotson continue to show great chemistry, but it was a sidearm no-look pass to Dyami Brown at Monday’s practice that stole the show during the final round of OTAs.

As far as Wentz’s backups are concerned, Heinicke has routinely picked apart the second-team defense after starting 15 games last season. The fan favorite quarterback has several legs up on 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell, who hasn’t been overly impressive or disappointing during his first set of OTAs.

That’s perfectly fine, however. With Wentz and Heinicke unshakable in their current roles, Howell can develop and mature at his own pace. In a surefire confidence-builder, the UNC product scored a touchdown on a read-option carry during 11-on-11s on Wednesday.

The Commanders are clearly taking a step-by-step approach with Howell, but the coaching staff can definitely take solace in the fact that all three quarterbacks have looked in-sync during OTAs. Let’s hope they keep it up at minicamp and training camp.