Commanders Ron Rivera apologizes to Carson Wentz for ‘QB’ comment

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera apologized to quarterback Carson Wentz for feedback that he mentioned have been misconstrued by some Monday, concerning why there is a gulf between his rebuilding crew and their NFC East rivals.

“Carson and I had a pleasant dialog so I believe we’re able to roll,” Rivera mentioned.

He additionally spoke to his crew concerning the feedback he made Monday. On that day, Rivera was requested why the Commanders have been 1-4 in his third season in comparison with the opposite groups within the division all being no less than 4-1. Rivera answered, “Quarterback.”

He later mentioned the opposite groups’ quarterbacks had been in place longer than Wentz had in Washington. The Commanders traded for Wentz this previous offseason; Rivera mentioned the quarterback continues to be getting comfy within the offense and with teammates. Rivera mentioned they now have a quarterback they’ll construct round.

However his preliminary one-word reply drew nationwide consideration, with former Washington quarterback Alex Smith ripping his former coach.

Wentz mentioned he was unaware of what had been mentioned, till he was instructed by a crew spokesman. He wasn’t bothered by what Rivera mentioned.

“Coach addressed it, dealt with it, nothing for me that I am overly involved about,” Wentz mentioned. “Coach is a really simple, upfront man. He addressed it within the crew assembly, which I believed was actually cool, in what he meant by all of it. I really feel very assured in that.”

Rivera mentioned he understood why his feedback have been perceived in a adverse mild, which is why he needed to handle the whole crew.

“I instructed them I mentioned some issues that have been misconstrued; I did not current them correctly. That is on me,” he mentioned. “I took accountability, instructed the fellows I ought to know higher. S— I had a nasty day so I figured I used to be feeling higher at this time, let’s transfer ahead.”

Rivera mentioned he apprehensive about his phrases changing into a distraction throughout a brief week; the Commanders (1-4) play on the Chicago Bears (2-4) Thursday. However gamers mentioned they understood what Rivera was saying.

“All of us assumed that was taken the fallacious approach,” Washington backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke mentioned. “He did an excellent job clearing that up this morning. Carson has broad shoulders; he understands the deal. … It meant quite a bit to the entire crew. For anybody who did not know what he meant it was good to listen to from him.”

Heinicke mentioned Wentz stays off social media so he wasn’t even conscious of the controversy it created. Heinicke additionally mentioned having performed in a troublesome media market equivalent to Philadelphia steeled Wentz.

“When you play in Philly, every little thing else is simple peasy from there,” Heinicke mentioned.

Washington deal with Charles Leno Jr., mentioned Rivera’s phrases have been well-received.

“He is by no means the kind to say something beneath the desk or again door,” Leno mentioned. “He is all the time an easy man so I respect him and respect his phrases.”

Wentz, in the meantime, is listed has having a shoulder damage on the damage report for Thursday night time’s recreation. Wentz dismissed any concern about his proper, throwing shoulder regardless of the damage report indicating he would have been a restricted participant the Commanders had held a full apply every of the previous two days.

“I do not know when (it occurred), and it feels fairly good,” Wentz mentioned. “It feels fairly good. It was a Monday after a recreation, so I am feeling fairly good.”

Rivera mentioned Wentz reported the shoulder was sore Monday morning after the crew’s loss to Tennessee on Sunday. He mentioned Wentz took all his snaps in apply Tuesday.

“He was high-quality,” Rivera mentioned. “I do not anticipate it to be an issue.”

The Related Press contributed to this report.