Commanders’ Brian Robinson shows love to Carson Wentz after QB’s epic block

The Washington Commanders-Chicago Bears primetime game lived up to expectations as the season’s most dreaded primetime game. Ultimately, a Brian Robinson fourth-quarter touchdown — set up by a Velus Jones Jr. muffed punt recovered by Christian Holmes– proved to be the difference.

Once again, the Commanders’ offense sputtered. Carson Wentz totaled 99 passing yards on the night and he averaged less than 5.0 yards per pass attempt. The offense managed 214 yards and converted just 2-of-11 third down attempts.

It was another wonky performance from Wentz, who was admittedly battling multiple injuries, including a strained biceps tendon on his right arm, a likely numb finger on his throwing hand which was only exasperated by the frigid temperatures and a hobbled ankle that got re-taped late in the fourth quarter.

Long story short, Wentz couldn’t get anything going through the air.

Incredibly, the quarterback’s greatest contribution came when he delivered a cracking block on Bears stud linebacker Roquan Smith in the red zone. The handoff went to Robinson, who used the pancake to rip a big five yards.

After the game, Robinson revealed to NBC Sports Washington that Wentz made sure the running back thanked him for the pancake.

Commanders’ Brian Robinson thanked Carson Wentz for the block on Roquan Smith that set up his touchdown.

The block went viral on Twitter for obvious reasons. A quarterback laying his shoulder into one of the game’s most feared defenders? That doesn’t happen often, and it set the stage for Robinson’s game-winning score on the very next play.

At 6-foot-5 and 237 pounds, Wentz’s frame is often overlooked. He actually towers over the 6-foot-1, 232-pound Smith, who personified a kicker/punter getting tossed like a rag doll trying to make a tackle on a return specialist.

Laying blocks on the perimeter is becoming a norm for Wentz. If you remember, Wentz cracked Titans linebacker David Long on a Robinson carry last week. If not for the quarterback’s hustle, Robinson would’ve been tackled for a loss.

It’s unclear if Smith would’ve beat Robinson to the sideline, but the tackling machine had a head full of steam pursuing the rookie. Wentz made sure Smith wasn’t given that chance and Washington reaped the benefits seconds later.

While we’re at it, let’s relive Wentz’s block on Long from Week 5.

Given how much the Commanders’ offensive line has struggled in pass protection, is anyone opposed to throwing Wentz at left guard and putting Sam Howell under center? If not left guard, Wentz might have a future at fullback if the whole quarterback thing doesn’t work out.

In all seriousness, it was awesome to see a banged up Wentz throw his body on the line for his teammates. Robinson clearly appreciates it. Stay tuned for Week 7 against the Packers to see if QB1 can make it three weeks in a row.