Taylor Heinicke is back in the driver's seat for the Commanders, who can't really get much worse
Washington can only get better, even with Carson Wentz injured.
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers after undergoing surgery for a fractured finger on his throwing hand.
He’ll be replaced by Taylor Heinicke, and rookie Sam Howell becomes the new backup.
It’s a clear downgrade at the position for the Commanders, who traded for Wentz after going 7-8 with Heinicke as the starter a year ago. But on the bright side, things can’t get much worse than how they’ve already been going in D.C.
With Wentz under center, the team is just 2-4 and in last place in the suddenly good NFC East. Coach Ron Rivera threw Wentz under the bus after the fourth loss, then reversed course with a fiery defense of him after the team managed just 12 points against the Bears last week.
Washington was a 5.5-point underdog for Sunday’s game even before Wentz was officially ruled out.
Washington HC Ron Rivera said Taylor Heinicke will start Sunday's game vs. the Packers and rookie QB Sam Howell will serve as the backup.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2022
That line could probably grow larger if bettors believe Green Bay can turn things around, but that’s where this game gets interesting. The Packers are reeling themselves, with consecutive losses to the New York Giants and Jets, teams they were favored to beat after starting the season 3-1.
The Packers have been unable to stop the run, and their offense has underwhelmed too. Hope only remains in their ability to turn things around because nobody wants to be the person to count out the two-time reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers.
No such hope exists for Washington, but there is a chance for them to at least be better. Heinicke is more than capable of making things happen on offense when he isn’t turning the ball over. And while his 45.8 QBR last season wasn’t great, it’s higher than Wentz’s 34.1 this year.
Heinicke also completed a higher percentage of his passes, and he averaged more yards per attempt even though Wentz was supposed to stretch the field more with a stronger arm. In a 24-10 loss to the Packers last year, Heinicke went 25-of-37 passing for 268 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and he ran for another 95 yards.
Given the Packers struggles, and Washington’s clear room for improvement, this game could end up more interesting than it seems.