The Cleveland Browns defeated Carson Wentz and the Washington Commanders on New Year’s Day, 24-10. Oddsmakers listed the Commanders as 1.5-point favorites entering the contest.
The usually inconsistent Browns defense held Wentz to a pitiful performance: 16 completions on 28 attempts for 148 yards and three interceptions.
It was a predictable result, according to Browns linebacker Reggie Ragland:
Browns LB Reggie Ragland on Commanders QB Carson Wentz: pic.twitter.com/gQHmMyee6H
— Tramel Raggs (@Raggs_No_Riches) January 1, 2023
“We looked at a lot from the beginning [of the season] and last week,” Ragland told reporters after the game about the decision to start Wentz. “But every system he’s been in, they’ve played the same way with him. He has that long, kind of slow release. So you can get a good break on it and make something shake.”
Ragland says Commanders players respond better to former stater Taylor Heinicke. The home crowd chanted the backup quarterback’s name during the game.
“If you know football, you know [Wentz] has a slow release,” Ragland continued. “And you know Heinicke gets the ball out fast. Like some of the guys I know on the team, they would’ve preferred Heinicke because they know he gets the ball out. You can see it on film too, though. They play different with each quarterback.”
The Browns play at the Pittsburgh Steelers next. The Commanders host the Dallas Cowboys.
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