3 defenses that should worry Commanders QB Carson Wentz in 2022
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders will have the luxury of playing a more relaxed schedule next season compared to their 2021 slate. Ironically enough, they’re tied with the Cowboys for the easiest strength of schedule if you base difficulty solely on opponent’s combined win percentage from last season.
Based on projected win totals, however, the Commanders own the seventh-easiest schedule in the NFL, according to Sharp Football Analysis.
For the non-analytics folks, all you have to do is look at the quarterbacks on Washington’s 2022 itinerary to see how much easier the schedule is. In terms of superstars, Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson, if you still hold him in that regard after he missed all of 2021, are the lone QBs who fill that bill.
Having said all of that, the NFL is never a walk in the park. For newly-minted quarterback Carson Wentz, every so-called “easy” matchup will be canceled out by an occasional unnerving matchup. Here are three that stick out the most.
3 toughest defenses for Commanders QB Carson Wentz in 2022
3. San Francisco 49ers
Anytime you face one of the most fearsome pass rushers in the NFL, a quarterback should consider himself warned and Nick Bosa is exactly that after he led the league with 21 tackles for loss and finished fourth with 15.5 sacks in 2021.
Though not well-known commodities, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Drake Jackson and Kemoko Turay all have the potential to exploit singular matchups while Bosa attracts double teams and chip blocks on most passing snaps.
In the second level, Wentz should be wary of Fred Warner, a top-tier linebacker who’s always a candidate for a splash play that alters the complexion of a game. The athletic Azeez Al-Shaair could also pose problems in coverage.
That brings us to San Francisco’s secondary. While K’Waun Williams and Jaquiski Tartt are big losses, general manager John Lynch did superbly to sign Charvarius Ward in free agency. The former Chiefs star allowed more than 50 receiving yards just once over the final 10 games last season.
Elsewhere, Emmanuel Moseley earned the team’s top coverage grade and will only improve returning to his familiar slot position with Jason Verrett returning from injury, Jimmie Ward is the best safety in the NFL nobody talks about and stealing George Odum from the Colts in free agency was a great piece of business.
Consider yourself warned, Wentz.