3 Commanders starters who could get benched in 2022

1. Carson Wentz

The headline reads “could’ get benched, not “will” get benched. That’s important. If we had to place a wager on it, we’d bet Carson Wentz — barring injury or a stint on the COVID-19 list (he’s unvaccinated) — will start all 17 games this year.

With that said, we can’t simply ignore history and Wentz’s volatile tendencies have seen him benched before. It’d be a different story if the Commanders didn’t have a viable backup waiting in the wings, but Taylor Heinicke led the team to seven wins a season ago and overcame some wacky circumstances to do so.

Fortunately for Wentz, the Commanders really moved the needle to build around him this offseason. Between his offensive line, which ranked sixth last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and improved receiving and running back rooms, Wentz really has zero excuses not to perform up to his potential.

It might seem like a dig that we included Wentz in this article, but that’s anything but the case. In the grand scheme of things, though, Washington isn’t tied to the 29-year-old beyond this season– he has zero guaranteed money left after 2022– so Ron Rivera shouldn’t hesitate pulling the plug if it’s called for.

Wentz didn’t play bench-worthy football until Weeks 17 and 18 of last season. We know, awful timing, but he was largely excellent for most of the year, posting 27 touchdowns to seven interceptions and a 94.6 passer rating.

Just avoid back-breaking turnovers and all will be fine.