4 commanders most responsible for Week 16 loss to Browns

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The Washington Commanders went from seventh place in the NFC to being knocked out of the playoffs after dropping the ball against the underperforming Cleveland Browns, 24-10, in Week 17 of the 2022 NFL season. . Just a few weeks ago, the Commanders were 7-5-1 and needed at least one win to further secure their playoff positioning. Instead, they just absorbed their third straight loss, and that (along with the Packers’ win over the Vikings) was enough to kick them out of playoff contention. Commanders fell to 7-8-1 and dead last in the NFC East. Here, discuss well the four commanders most responsible for their Week 16 loss to the Browns.

Commanders have had more than enough opportunities to secure a playoff spot over the past month. However, they failed. They are now 0-3-1 in their last four games. The team had a tumultuous season, with inconsistent play from quarterbacks, defense and a below par record.

In Week 17 against the Browns, Washington had a solid first half. They even led, 7-3, at halftime. However, they struggled in the second half both in attack and defence. The Commanders were missing several key players on defense, including Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Still, that doesn’t excuse their poor performance in attack.

In that game, the team started Carson Wentz after benching Taylor Heinicke in the fourth quarter of the previous game. However, that decision backfired as Wentz threw two interceptions in the first quarter alone. Despite a 21-play touchdown late in the second quarter that gave them the halftime lead, the team were outscored 21-3 in the second half. This was just a continuation of their recent trend of poor performance.

For now, let’s take a look at the four commanders most responsible for their Week 16 loss to the Browns.

4. Secondary Commanders

Without Benjamin St-Juste and Kam Curl, the Washington secondary couldn’t stop Browns WR Amari Cooper. The latter had over 100 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s game.

An important turning point in this game came in the third quarter when Watson passed the ball to Cooper near the sideline. The play should have been routine, but CB Commanders Kendall Fuller missed the tackle. This allowed Cooper to easily score a 46-yard touchdown. This gave the Browns a 10-7 lead and they held control for the rest of the game.

3. Lineman Commanders

Washington’s offensive and defensive linemen need to be held accountable for their performance here. In defence, Efe Obada showed a lack of awareness on two potential sacks. He just let Deshaun Watson get away. It was a poor effort from the veteran defensive end.

Center Wes Schweitzer also played poorly. He had several low kicks and was responsible for a sack and multiple pressures. Yes, Schweitzer isn’t a nature center, but that’s hardly an excuse. Meanwhile, left tackle Charles Leno also struggled to protect passes. He gave up a team high of four pressures and a sack.

2.QB Carson Wentz

As bad as pass protection was, tough Washington QB Carson Wentz couldn’t really do much even if he got the ball.

He had a poor showing in the game, completing 16 of 28 passes for 143 yards and throwing three interceptions. All of his interceptions were the result of throwing or poor decisions. Wentz just seemed uncomfortable, even when he had time in his pocket. Wentz’s performance lacked precision, athleticism and decisiveness. He held the ball too long and looked intimidated by the game. He just played absolutely terribly and shouldn’t do it again for Washington.

His teammates, including Taylor Heinicke and Chase Young, tried to cheer him on, but it didn’t improve his performance. The team’s decision to start Wentz, who hadn’t started since Week 6, clearly didn’t pay off. Although he had a one-yard touchdown run just before halftime, he only averaged 5.1 yards per attempt and made numerous errors.

1. Coach Ron Rivera

Heinicke was benched in favor of Wentz by head coach Ron Rivera. When it became apparent that the offense was stalling with Wentz on Sunday, Rivera decided to continue with him anyway. Needless to say, it was a tough day for Rivera. To illustrate, in a bizarre postgame moment, it also seemed Rivera was unaware that a loss could result in Washington’s elimination from the playoffs.

Ron Rivera had no idea they could be knocked out of the playoffs tonight with a Packers win.pic.twitter.com/5eLov5Emxm

Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 1, 2023

His decision to cast Wentz just backfired. Of course, it’s uncertain whether Heinicke would have led the team to a win had he played. However, it is certain that the Commanders would have been more competitive. While the defense kept the team in the game for the first half, it all came crashing down in the second half. Plus, a three-point deficit with Wentz looked a lot bigger.

The reality is that Rivera wanted to see more of Wentz before making a decision on him this offseason. Still, he had several opportunities to come back to Heinicke and simply chose not to. Rivera is unlikely to admit that starting Wentz was a mistake, but it clearly was.

Wentz is made in Washington, that’s for sure. As for Coach Rivera, well, let’s see.

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