Joe Theismann defends Commanders’ Carson Wentz after shaky Week 3

The Washington Commanders are looking to shake off a disastrous performance in Week 3 when they got pummeled by Philadelphia. The lopsided game has fans second-guessing what this team can achieve this season, especially since it brought out the worst in Carson Wentz, who crumbled under pressure.

Having said that, there’s plenty of season left. This time two weeks ago, Wentz was second in the NFL in passing yards, tied for first in touchdowns and within the top 10 at the position in terms of passer rating and yards per attempt.

Unless you never got on to begin with, it’d be foolish to jump off the Wentz bandwagon after one poor game. The Commanders signed up for the occasional busted performance when they traded for him in the offseason.

The important thing is Wentz doesn’t let this dud snowball into consecutive underwhelming performances.

You know who was the utmost confidence that Wentz will bounce back? One Washington legend Joe Theismann. Appearing on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Theismann came to Wentz’s defense after the quarterback’s shaky Week 3.

Washington legend Joe Theismann likes what he’s seen from Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz.

"“Nothing’s disappointed me. I mean, he’s been under siege,” Theismann said of Wentz. “I don’t care who you are as a quarterback, when you don’t have time to throw the football it doesn’t matter whether you’re Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Carson Wentz, Dak Prescott . . . It’s difficult to operate.”“I think he’s protected the ball pretty darn well. He’s made decisions with the ball in his hands in the past that’ve created some issues, but he’s done a better job protecting the ball.”"

Those are all salient points from Thiesmann. Not many quarterbacks would flourish facing consistent pressure. Only a select few — Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray — have the mobility to elude a bull-rush. Wentz needs to be better at getting the ball out, but it’s not delusional of Theismann, nor any Commanders fan, to argue that Wentz needs to be protected better.

At the end of the day, Theismann is thrilled with how Wentz has protected the football. Four turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble) in three games would suggest otherwise, but Wentz has certainly made a concerted effort not to force unnecessary throws; arguably his biggest flaw as a quarterback.

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There’s just been a few occasions where his accuracy has eluded him. When Wentz misses, he typically misses high (see the INT against the Lions that was intended for Logan Thomas). You just have to hope there isn’t a defensive back camping waiting to pick up the scraps or his receivers are able to get a hand on it.

"“To me I think Carson’s done good of protecting the football. He’s made throws when he’s had to and he’s made same you wish you could have back but every quarterback does that. He just needs to get protection.”"

Get Wentz better production and the offense will perform. It’s that simple.