Carson Wentz talks about his first start for the Commanders

Carson Wentz made his first start for the Washington Commanders last Saturday against the Carolina Panthers. Washington lost the game, 23-21, but Wentz was impressive in his first start for the burgundy and gold.

Wentz completed 10 of 13 passes for 74 yards, with a long of 16 yards to Terry McLaurin. Wentz played into the second quarter, leading the Commanders on a touchdown drive before departing for backup Taylor Heinicke.

For Wentz, his first start was about the basics. Head coach Ron Rivera wanted to see Wentz get Washington in and out of the huddle, make the right reads and lead the Commanders to at least one score.

Wentz discussed his first start and believed plenty of good came from Washington’s first preseason game.

“I thought it wasn’t perfect, but it was good to get our feet wet offensively for one, slower start, unfortunately, but I thought that third drive was good for us to get out there and stay on the field and convert some third downs and finish in the endzone,” Wentz said after Saturday’s game.

“So, as far as that went, I thought that was okay. A loss is never fun, but there’s a lot we can learn from on both sides of the ball that was good for us.”

How does Wentz feel about Washington’s offense after one preseason game?

“I think we’re still getting better,” Wentz said. “I think we’ve got a lot of potential to have a really fun and explosive offense, but we’re still getting better. We got a long way to go, myself included. I think the rhythm and timing and just being consistent as an offense will just keep getting better.”

Early in camp, much was made of Wentz’s inaccuracy in practice. However, he started turning the corner last week ahead of the first preseason game. In the loss to the Panthers, Wentz played it safe, looked for the big play, but when it wasn’t there, opted for the checkdown. That’s exactly what offensive coordinator Scott Turner wants from his new quarterback.

Next up for Wentz and the Commanders is the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.

Story originally appeared on Commanders Wire