Commanders Ron Rivera apologizes to Carson Wentz for 'QB' remark

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera apologized to quarterback Carson Wentz for comments that he said were misconstrued by some Monday, regarding why there's a gulf between his rebuilding team and their NFC East rivals.

«Carson and I had a nice conversation so I think we're ready to roll,» Rivera said.

He also spoke to his team about the comments he made Monday. On that day, Rivera was asked why the Commanders were 1-4 in his third season compared to the other teams in the division all being at least 4-1. Rivera answered, «Quarterback.»

He later said the other teams' quarterbacks had been in place longer than Wentz had in Washington. The Commanders traded for Wentz this past offseason; Rivera said the quarterback is still getting comfortable in the offense and with teammates. Rivera said they now have a quarterback they can build around.

But his initial one-word answer drew national attention, with former Washington quarterback Alex Smith ripping his former coach.

Wentz said he was unaware of what had been said, until he was told by a team spokesman. He wasn't bothered by what Rivera said.

«Coach addressed it, handled it, nothing for me that I'm overly concerned about,» Wentz said. «Coach is a very straightforward, upfront guy. He addressed it in the team meeting, which I thought was really cool, in what he meant by it all. I feel very confident in that.»

Rivera said he understood why his comments were perceived in a negative light, which is why he wanted to address the entire team.

«I told them I said some things that were misconstrued; I didn't present them properly. That's on me,» he said. «I took accountability, told the guys I should know better. S--- I had a bad day so I figured I was feeling