Commanders fans are furious with Scott Turner’s play-calling vs Vikings

Stop us if you’ve heard this before in 2022, but the Washington Commanders offense is off to a slow start in the first half of a game. A big reason for that? Poor pass protection from the offensive line, a failure to establish the run and suspect play-calling from offensive coordinator Scott Turner.

The Minnesota Vikings marched down the field on their opening drive thanks to four completions from Kirk Cousins to Justin Jefferson, who capped the commanding nine-play sequence with a ridiculous catch in the end zone.

Trailing 7-0 early, you’d think Turner would get a little aggressive with his play-calling. That’s been anything but the case. In fact, Turner’s signature moment thus far was a handoff to Curtis Samuel out of the backfield.

On the same drive, Commanders fans lost their patience when Turner dialed up a quarterback draw for Taylor Heinicke on 3rd and 9. To the surprise of nobody, Heinicke was bottled up and Washington punted the ball back to Minnesota.

Let’s run through some of the reactions.

Commanders fans are fed up with Scott Turner’s play-calling against the Vikings.

In fairness, it looked like a run-pass option. Even if Cam Newton or Lamar Jackson were under center, though, 3rd and 9 is not the time for that play call.

The “t” word is a little dramatic, but we understand the frustration.

This is likely one of many fans who’d like a new offensive coordinator. Unfortunately, Turner inked a contract extension in the offseason, so he isn’t going anywhere until at least after the season. Even then, his job might be safe.

We see no lies. What’s worse than a run up the middle on second and long? How about a quarterback draw on third and long? How about a mesh pass design on third and short? The Turner specials.

For the QB draw for a moment. Why has Antonio Gibson, the offense’s secod-best performer behind Terry McLaurin the last two games, barely used in the first half? Just an encapsulation of Turner failing to get McLaurin involved early to start the season. Speaking of which, Scary Terry has just one catch for 18 yards so far.

We don’t mean to pile on, but there’s far too much talent on this offense for it to continuously look lifeless to start games. That’s on Turner.

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