The Eagles’ newest QB Carson Wentz is a new breed of football player with an intense film study and analytics background. Joe Gibbs talks about how his team led him to the future Super Bowl MVP
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The Washington Commanders’ quarterback hunt has lasted more than three decades, punctuated by occasional spells of strong performance and the optimism that Quarterback X would finally put an end to the search. It never took place.
This offseason, the Commanders went on another quest, which brought them to Carson Wentz and another time of optimism. A visit with legendary Washington coach Joe Gibbs, a thorough dive into statistics, a video session at the NFL scouting combine, and phone calls to Wentz’s old coaches were all part of the hunt.
Washington’s quest was different from previous years because coach Ron Rivera was so proud of his team that he was willing to give up salary-cap space and draft selections to locate the ideal player.
It was a more aggressive approach than last offseason, when Washington made an offer to Detroit for Matthew Stafford but couldn’t match the Los Angeles Rams’ aggressiveness. Last year, the Commanders explored moving up in the draft to get Justin Fields, but the cost was too high.
Rivera, on the other hand, made it known to the NFL that the Commanders were open for business this offseason. They devised a plan and arranged a deal with the Colts to get the No. 2 overall selection in the 2016 draft (the clubs traded second-round choices in 2022, and Washington also gave up a third this year and a conditional third in 2023).
Since the team last won the Super Bowl in 1991, Wentz will be the 33rd starting quarterback for the Redskins. The Commanders landed him in the following way:
Meeting with Joe Gibbs
During the season, Washington scouts looked at the current crop of collegiate quarterbacks. Even after they embarked on a four-game winning run, the Commanders understood that quarterback would be a top focus in the summer. However, with the 11th selection in the first round and concerns about the class’s quality, the club concentrated on acquiring a veteran.
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Rivera wrote down the qualities they want after the meeting: height, athleticism, arm skill, and quick-twitch throws. They then compared who had ticked the most boxes. While size was crucial, they didn’t want to disregard anybody who didn’t measure up to the required 6-foot-3 height. If a quarterback lacked the necessary height, he needed to demonstrate strong pocket mobility and the capacity to to discover and create throwing lanes.
As a result, they came up with a list of eight quarterbacks, including Deshaun Watson of Houston.
Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson were the first two names that sprang to mind. The commanders were preparing for a variety of situations. What would their cap look like if they received one of those two, and what moves would they have to make now and in the future if they landed one of those two? How could they arrange the roster if they got a less costly quarterback?
Rodgers and Wilson, on the other hand, were not feasible candidates. Seattle turned down Washington’s offer of three first-round choices because Rodgers would not be dealt. Watson was ruled out due to legal difficulties, among other things. Just in case, the Commanders examined footage of a variety of different quarterbacks.
They even speculated whether Andrew Luck, the retired former Indianapolis Colt, would want to play again. That didn’t work out. They wanted to make sure every I was dotted, whether it was realistic or a Lloyd Christmas “So you’re telling me there’s a possibility” situation.
They phoned Indianapolis about Wentz before the combine and were informed he wasn’t accessible.
Then, after speaking with other clubs at the combine, they found that Wentz was suddenly available.
Combine your research.
Washington’s staff took another deep dive on Wentz while sitting in a suite inside Lucas Oil Stadium, spending “a few hours,” according to Rivera, studying different games and looking at the various passes he made. It wasn’t the first time they’d looked into him, but it was by far the most intense.
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Rivera added, “I wouldn’t say one game [stands out] as much as the throws that were spectacular.” “He threw several excellent vertical throws from the far hash to outside the numbers, followed by some tight-window slants and outs.”
They already had performed a deep dive on his analytics. Their internal analytics showed Wentz in the top 10 in numerous categories since he was drafted by the Eagles six years ago. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he ranks 19th in total QBR in that time — 12th since 2017.
Wentz has 140 touchdown passes in his career, which ranks him 11th in the NFL (and eighth since 2017). He’s tied for 10th in completions and seventh in passing attempts of 20 air yards or more, which is important for a club that wants to go downfield more.
Of course, numbers don’t convey the whole picture, but the following is noteworthy: Washington’s overall QBR is 31st and its 98 touchdown passes rank 28th throughout Wentz’s stint in the NFL. That tells a narrative, considering Washington’s record throughout that time span is 31-50.
The Commanders, on the other hand, concentrated on Wentz’s arm, quick-twitch passes, and ability to extend the field when watching the games, not to mention his mobility, which remained apparent even though it had slowed since suffering back and knee problems with the Eagles.
the capacity to
There are a lot of unanswered questions concerning Wentz’s performance. They vary from his willingness to stretch plays — often to his team’s disadvantage — to his technique errors, mistakes, and a penchant to press in games when his side is down.
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Carson Wentz, according to Booger McFarland, is simply a temporary answer for the “desperate” Commanders.
Because of such factors, not everyone feels Wentz is the long-term answer. In 3,008 pass attempts, he’s thrown 57 interceptions. Six other quarterbacks with at least 2,800 passing attempts since Wentz’s arrival in the NFL have thrown more interceptions, while eight have thrown more touchdowns.
But the capacity to is obvious. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 237 pounds, Wentz can see over the line and has the arm strength to make every throw. That could be down the field, it could be a slant or a shallow crossing route thrown on time. As ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen said, Wentz has the capacity to to attack defenses at the “second and third level” — areas that match well with what Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner wants.
“There’s no doubt it’s a good match,” Bowen added. “He’s capable of throwing long in-breakers, thin posts, and vertical challenges down the field. He has the ability to make massive throws. As a runner, he can stretch plays and escape the pocket, as well as create second-reaction moves. In today’s NFL, this is critical.”
Wentz seems to be looking forward to working with Turner: “Just talking with Coach Turner about his offensive vision, how he loves to design plays and move the ball down the field, and the playmakers surrounding you. I could tell he was ecstatic about it just by listening to him talk about it. I believe we’re both pumped up.”
The discussions
Rivera thought he got a fair scouting report on all aspects of Wentz throughout the hunt. He spoke with two of Wentz’s past head coaches, Doug Pederson and Frank Reich. Both applauded Wentz, praising his work ethic and expressing his desire to satisfy others.
Rivera described what he heard as “quite fascinating.” “When you go to some individuals, talk to certain instructors he’s had in the past who I’m familiar with, and listen to what they have to say, it’s contrary to what’s going on.”
Wentz would also fit in well with Washington’s locker room, which has a lot of low-key veterans. Rivera also observed that one of the Colts’ captains, Darius Leonard, tweeted in favor of Wentz following the deal.
Reich was the first call Rivera got following the deal, he claimed.
Rivera described Frank as “phenomenal.” “‘You’re going to adore this man,’ he remarked after we completed the move. I want you to know that he’s been a wonderful guy first and foremost.’ My plan was to contact him, but instead he phoned to congratulate me.”
Rivera spoke with Gibbs again after the deal, who happened to be in Washington for an event. The first thing Rivera told Gibbs, he recalled, was this:
“We got our man,” says the narrator.
