It's time to play Carson Wentz.
The Washington Commanders have two quarterbacks, which means they have no quarterbacks. And, making rookie Sam Howell debut against San Francisco on Saturday would be stupid. So, Washington has to either stand pat with Taylor Heinicke and a low-scoring offense or give Carson Wentz one more chance before being beaten into a pulp again thanks to a leaky offensive line.
There is no right answer, but if Washington is to make the playoffs and survive more than one round, it needs Wentz.
There's a difference between regular-season offense and playoff offense. Washington has managed 7-6-1 with a mediocre offense plagued not only by inconsistent play, but inconsistent game-planning. But to survive more than 15 minutes in the postseason, more firepower is needed. Washington has enough playmakers. It just can't find them regularly.
Everyone loves the Heinicke narrative of a long shot winning games with guile and late heroics. But, it's time to get past that. Heinicke has given everything and it's a little short. That 61-yarder against New York notwithstanding, Heinicke can't consistently make deep throws and the short game to tight ends has collapsed through poor play by Logan Thomas.
The running game carried Washington this far despite a patchwork line. It took pressure off Heinicke during the 5-1-1 stretch. But it's not producing enough points and that will mean a quick postseason exit if the team manages to win two of its last three via San Francisco, Cleveland and Dallas. That's not a given, either.
Switching to Wentz is indeed a desperation move despite starting the season opener. Wentz is a statue in the pocket, but has a deep arm. Asking him to return after missing two months with a thumb injury is a big plea, but Wentz can win a shootout that Heinicke can't.
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There is no right answer here and offensive coordinator Scott Turner's erratic play-calling doesn't help. It's clear Heinicke's magic is spent, though. Oh, bad officiating definitely hurt Washington late, but Heinicke's fumble for a Giants touchdown and 7-3 lead is where the game was lost, along with not trying a field goal on the first possession.
Primal scream therapy will be needed in the following three games. This team is good enough to make a seven-team playoff system. The Commanders might even win a round because Philadelphia is the only top NFC contender and Washington already beat the Eagles and wouldn't face them in the opening weekend anyway. Minnesota, San Francisco and Dallas are all vulnerable. It's a good year for a wild card to make the Super Bowl and Washington's defense gives it a puncher's chance to do so. But not unless Washington can resolve its passing woes. Wentz's quick-strike capability is a possible solution.
Raise your left hand, cover your eyes and pray.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
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