Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner will have a different vantage point on gamedays during 2022 season as he recently stated he would moving from the booth to the sideline.
"It's something that I've been thinking about really over the course of the entire offseason," Turner said. "Do I want to make that change?"
It's understandable that the decision was not one taken lightly. The upstairs play caller versus downstairs play caller preference has divided the league for years. Which one is better positioned for success? The evidence is completely split. Handfuls of pros and cons can be listed for either. Super Bowls have been won and lost with offensive coordinators in either position. A change in a preference though usually means a big change has happened on the field -- like the addition of a new franchise quarterback via a blockbuster offseason trade.
"I think it was an adjustment made after Carson [Wentz]," head coach Ron Rivera said. "We just feel that this is something that gives us an opportunity to be right there and get instant feedback as opposed to having to have it cycle through a quarterback coach."
Wentz is still settling into this offense, and he is a veteran guy who has played hundreds of scenarios. There is a lot that makes sense about Turner wanting to prioritize face-to-face communication with this quarterback.
"At practice, there's things that me and Carson will talk about that I think are really valuable for myself and for him," Turner said. "Just how he's seeing things and hearing it directly from him, not through another person or not having to get him on the phone or have somebody give him a headset."
Turner hopes other players too will benefit from having access to him on the sideline and that his presence closer to the action will positively influence the Commanders' offensive energy.
"Just being able to speak directly to them, if there's something that I need to say that is huge," Turner said about the sideline advantages. "Being down in there, you feel like you're a little bit more part of the game."
Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.
The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.
- NBC Sports Washington's Bijan Todd writes about how Phidarian Mathis is no stranger to patience.
- The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about Jonathan Allen's mentality after his Pro Bowl-caliber season.
- The Washington Times' Matthew Paras writes about Sam Howell's upcoming development year.
- The Richmond-Times Dispatch's Michael Phillips catches up with Chase Young after preseason opener, NASCAR weekend.
- The Washington Post's Sam Fortier lists his takeaway from the preseason opener.
- NBC Sports Washington's writes about two standout rookie performances against Carolina.
- The Washington Times' Matthew Paras writes about Carson Wentz's Commanders' debut.
- The Athletic's Ben Standig writes gave his takeaways from Washington's first preseason game.
- The Washington Post's NIcki Jhabvala writes that Washington's wide receivers still have plenty to prove this season.
- NBC Sports Washington's Bijan Todd lists five Commanders whose snaps against the Panthers will mean more than most.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux gives five storylines to watch during Washington's preseason game against the Panthers.
- The Athletic's Ben Standig writes about what you should be looking for against the Panthers.
- ESPN's John Keim writes about Carson Wentz improving his chemistry with his pass-catchers.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Kam Curl's versatility.
- NBC Sports Washington's Pete Hailey writes about Mike Adams, the man in charge of the Commanders' practice playlist.
- The Washington Times' Matthew Paras writes about how rookie Brian Robinson's fighter mentality has helped prepare him for the Commanders.
Check Out What's On Commanders.com:
- From the booth | We all needed to see something
- Training Camp Notebook | Jahan Dotson grabbed two red zone TDs, defensive line disruptive on Day 16
- Media roundup | 'These past two days have been a delight' for Curtis Samuel
- Training Camp Notebook | Dyami Brown makes four catches as Commanders prepare for second preseason game
- Brian Robinson introduced his physical style to Commanders fans in the preseason opener
- Jon Allen ranks No. 88 on NFL's Top 100 players list
- 5 takeaways from Washington's preseason opener against Carolina.
- Numbers to know from Washington's preseason opener
- Media Roundup | Brian Robinson said FedExField 'felt like home all over again'.
- Instant Analysis | Late Sam Howell surge not enough in 23-21 loss to Panthers
- Competition among Commanders' WRs intensifies ahead of preseason
- 3 keys to Washington's preseason opener against the Panthers
- 4 standouts from Week 3 of Commanders training camp
- Sophie Manning celebrates end of cancer treatment with training camp day full of fun
- Media roundup | Tress Way loves Percy Butler, looks forward to 'watching him hunt' on special team
- 'New best day ever': Cancer survivor Josiah Desper and family cherish a special night out at FedExField
- Training Camp Notebook | Rivera breaks down expectations for Commanders' preseason opener
- From the booth | Bram Weinstein gives his training camp takeaways
- Training Camp Notebook | McLaurin scores goal line TD as timing with Wentz improves