After two seasons calling plays from the coaches’ booth, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner is making a change. Turner will call plays from the sidelines this upcoming season, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera announced, according to the Athletic’s Ben Standig.
The decision to be down on the sidelines gives Turner a chance to have face-to-face conversations with the quarterbacks.
He also could get a better feel of the flow of the game being on the sidelines with his players.
Washington’s offense is looking to improve on two subpar seasons under Turner, the son of former Washington head coach Norv Turner.
In 2020, the Commanders offense ranked 30th out of 32 NFL teams in total yards. Three quarterbacks started over the course of the season, Dwayne Haskins, Alex Smith and Kyle Allen. Last season Ryan Fitzpatrick started the season under center, but his season ended in less than two quarters thanks to a hip injury. Taylor Heinicke took over, but his play was marginal, and the offense ranked 21st.
Turner coming down to the sideline will aid the Commanders new starting quarterback, Carson Wentz. The former No. 2 overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, is looking to re-write his career is an NFL starter after being traded in back-to-back offseasons, first by the Eagles and then the Colts in March.
Turner has his fair share of critics, including former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. Turner followed Rivera from the Panthers to Washington in 2020. He is looking to get from under his father’s shadow as a play caller.
Wentz and Turner both have a lot to prove. They’ll look to build on their rapport with Turner manning the sidelines and interacting more intimately.
