Commanders' quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese felt good about what he saw out of Carson Wentz when the signal caller entered the game in the Week 16 loss against San Francisco.   

"I thought he played fast which is what you need especially against those guys, but just in general," Zampese said. "He looked quick on his feet. He looked like he had fresh legs and processed fast so that was encouraging."  

During his first possession at Levi's Stadium, Wentz orchestrated an impressive 11-play, 82-yard touchdown drive and finished the game 12-of-16 for 123 yards. Before stepping into last Sunday's game, Wentz had not played since Week 6, spending over two months rehabbing a finger injury and being the best backup he could possibly be to Taylor Heinicke.   

While no doubt a frustrating situation for the veteran quarterback, Zampese sees that this time out of game action was beneficial for Wentz's development in Washington's system.   

"In the role that he was in, [there was] less pressure of course because he is hurt. Gets a chance to learn as he watches other guys and goes back in his mind 'Hey, we did this in the spring, this is what it looks like live,'" Zampese said. "Just gets more mental reps at the same thing over and over again so you come to a greater comfort level when you get a chance to come back and do it yourself."  

There were glimpses of that greater comfort level in the nine minutes Wentz was on the field on Christmas Eve. Tomorrow, he has the chance to show a whole lot more as he starts his first game since mid-October in the Commanders' must-win game against the Browns.

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Dec. 31, 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.

• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier discusses Carson Wentz's decision-making.
• The Richmond Times-Dispatch's Michael Phillips writes about an unusual streak for teams after their games against the 49ers.
• The Washington Post's Scott Allen looks back at Washington's 26-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys in the first NFC Championship game at RFK.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier takes a look at the Commanders' defense.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about Scott Turner's comments on the Commanders' offensive identity.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes that Chase Young hopes to "keep taking step" after season debut.
• The Athletic's Ben Standig takes a look at Jake Fromm's path from Georgia to the NFL.
• The Richmond-Times Dispatch's Michael Phillips writes about Carson Wentz' return and the Commanders' search for an offensive spark.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala reports on the Commanders naming Carson Wentz as the starting quarterback.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about how Jahan Dotson re-emerged as a menace to defenses.
• The Athletic's Ben Standig and David Aldridge write about Chase Young's return, the Commanders playoff picture and more.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes that Chase Young is ready to "be that dog" again.
• The Washington Post's Jerry Brewer gives his perspective on the Commanders quarterback situation.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala reports on the Commanders' loss to the 49ers.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• 3 keys to Washington getting a win against the Browns at home
• Practice report | Gibson out, Curl questionable vs. Browns
• Practice report | Rivera says Washington needs a spark. He thinks Wentz can provide it.
• Terry McLaurin confident with Carson Wentz at quarterback
• Practice report | Jahan Dotson takes another step forward with impressive December
• NFC playoff picture | All the playoff scenarios heading into Week 17
• 'We control our destiny': Commanders refocus for final playoff push
• Rivera names Carson Wentz Commanders' starting quarterback vs. Browns
• Numbers to know from Washington's Christmas Eve matchup with San Francisco
• 5 takeaways from Washington's loss against San Francisco
• Commanders-49ers Stats & Snaps
• Instant analysis | Commanders drop second straight with loss to 49ers