3 reasons Commanders shouldn’t bench Carson Wentz for Taylor Heinicke
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders are free-falling at 1-3. Incredibly, the defense has actually performed well (for their standards). They’ve given the offense a chance, which is all you can ask for, but the offense has mustered 18 points in its last two games. Twenty-six other teams scored more than 18 points in Week 4 alone.
Most point to the offense line as the chief reason for the offense’s struggles, but the worst of Carson Wentz came out in Week 3 and 4; the one that gets tunnel vision for receivers, refuses to take what the defense gives him (see his interception against the Cowboys that was intended for Curtis Samuel) and can’t go through his progressions when the pocket starts to collapse.
Amid these struggles, fans have posed the question whether Wentz should get benched for Taylor Heinicke, who has his own flaws as a quarterback but might give the Commanders a better chance to win behind this offensive line.
While there are reasons that suggest giving Heinicke a shot makes sense, here are some arguments that work against the fan-favorite QB.
Why Commanders shouldn’t replace Carson Wentz with Taylor Heinicke
3. Heinicke’s fundamentals leave a lot to be desired
As great as Heinicke played filling in for Ryan Fitzpatrick, his accuracy eluded him multiple times per game last season. The Old Dominion product is one of the best quarterbacks in terms of improvisation and eluding pressure, but he often struggles with the fundamentals of the position, like setting his feet to throw.
While Heinicke would likely have more poise under pressure than Wentz, the question the Commanders have to ask themselves is if they’re willing to exchange explosive plays for better composure. Say what you will about Wentz’s play of late, but he’s connected on a number of big plays over four games.
Heinicke simply has a lot of deficiencies as a quarterback. Don’t let the offense’s recent funk fog your memory, Commanders fans. He was electric and fun to watch, but don’t forget how stagnant the offense looked at times in 2021.
Be careful what you wish for. That’s all we’re saying.