With a new quarterback in tow, the Washington Commanders have reached an agreement to lock-in offensive coordinator Scott Turner on a multi-year deal. JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington was the first to report the deal.
Nicki Jhavabla of the Washington Post details Turner’s deal is for three years and runs through the 2024 season.
The commitment to Turner shows the team’s confidence in him running the offense with newly acquired quarterback Carson Wentz. It also means head coach Ron Rivera is willing to attach his job to Turner. Good or bad Turner will be significant in the length and results of Rivera’s time in Washington.
Turner arrived in Washington in 2020 following the hire of Rivera. Turner carried over the same offensive scheme orchestrated by his father Norv Turner and was used previously with the Carolina Panthers.
Outside of a four-game stint as an interim, Scott Turner was given the reins of an offense for the first time. In two years, Washington’s offense has flashed at times. But, ultimately it’s been a work in progress.
In two seasons under Turner, Washington ranked 30th in league out of 32 teams and 21st in total yards. Their scoring wasn’t much better at 25th and 23rd, respectively.
Turner has drawn mixed reactions from fans. Former Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr was very critical about Turner’s ability as an offensive coordinator.
Turner seems less appealing in comparison to other offensive coordinators around the league. His association and lack of deviation from his father Norv Turner offensive scheme plays a huge factor.
But anyone being critical should consider the lack of stability at quarterback Turner has dealt with in Washington. In two seasons, he’s had six different starting quarterbacks.
Taylor Heinicke has stood out the most. However, he is viewed as a low-end starter and high-end backup with limitations. Year 1, Washington was looking for a fit at quarterback, flipping the pages on Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen and Alex Smith.
Haskins was benched twice before ultimately being released. Allen had the most success but suffered an ankle injury in his fourth start. Smith was playing for the first time in two years, coming back from a catastrophic leg injury.
Last season, Washington entered the season with high hopes behind 39-year old Ryan Fitzpatrick. “FitzMagic” lasted two quarters before suffering a season-ending hip injury handing the keys to Heinicke.
There’s no debate Wentz possesses more talent than any of the previous quarterbacks Turner has had. Thus, it’s an opportunity for Turner to flip the narrative on his tenure and career as Washington’s play-caller.
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