Ron Rivera on what separates Washington from the rest of the NFC East: 'Quarterback'

Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera gave a telling answer Monday on the play of quarterback Carson Wentz through five games. Asked what separates the Commanders, who are 1-4, from the other three NFC East teams (all of which have winning records), Rivera didn’t sugarcoat it.

“Quarterback,” the coach replied according to FOX Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano.

Wentz has had an up-and-down start in his first season with Washington. After throwing a combined seven touchdowns over the first two weeks, he has just three over the past three games to go along with three interceptions. He was also sacked nine times in a Week 3 loss to the Eagles, who sit atop the division at 5-0.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

Wentz seemed to turn things around somewhat this past week, throwing for a season-high 359 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. However, the Commanders still lost 21-17 to Tennessee.

Ron Rivera went on to commend Carson Wentz for his Week 5 performance, but also noted that he has “had a couple games where he’s struggled” this season.

“Our QB’s done some good things and he’s had a couple games where he’s struggled,” he said. “…Most of the time he’s very solid. …But the way he performed yesterday? Just shows you what he’s capable of. We chose him because we believe in him.”

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Wentz played his first five seasons in Philadelphia for the Eagles. He was even named to the Pro Bowl in just his second pro season after passing for 3,296 yards and a career-high 33 touchdowns. However, he was unable to participate due to an ACL injury.

That season would mark the beginning of the decline for Wentz, as Nick Foles took over for him after the injury and led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory. Wentz returned as the starter the following year, but continued to struggle with injuries over the next few seasons. Coming off of a 2020 campaign in which he had just 16 touchdown passes to 15 interceptions, he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts.

Now he finds himself on his third team in as many seasons, still attempting to recapture the talent he flashed in his first two years. Wentz has not been to the playoffs since 2019, and based on the way the Commanders have started that doesn’t appear likely to change in 2022.

Ron Rivera will hope Carson Wentz and the Commanders will hope to turn things around in Week 6, when they take on the Chicago Bears at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday.