Ron Rivera's quarterback remark shocks former player: 'I couldn’t believe it'

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Former Washington Commanders quarterback Alex Smith was shocked over comments head coach Ron Rivera made this week, arguing that Carson Wentz isn’t completely to blame for the team’s struggles this season. 

During ESPN’s broadcast of the Kansas City Chiefs-Las Vegas Raiders game Monday night, Smith was asked about Rivera’s remark that the reason the Commanders aren’t playing at the level of their NFC East opponents is because of the quarterback position.  

Carson Wentz of the Washington Commanders, left, talks with head coach Ron Rivera during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at FedEx Field Oct. 9, 2022, in Landover, Md. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

"I’m not going to lie, I had a really hard time watching that. When I heard it, I couldn’t believe it," Smith said on the broadcast. 

"I’m not here to defend Carson Wentz. He's had a tumultuous career with ups and downs. But this is a defensive head coach that is absolutely driving the bus over his quarterback." 

RON RIVERA ON WHY COMMANDERS HAVE FALLEN BEHIND IN NFC EAST: ‘QUARTERBACK’

Rivera’s full remarks dove into this being Wentz’s first season in Washington compared to the other teams whose quarterbacks have been playing in their respective systems for some time. 

"The truth is that this is a quarterback-driven league, and if you look at the teams that have been able to sustain success, they’ve been able to build it around a specific quarterback," Rivera said Monday. 

Carson Wentz (11) of the Washington Commanders throws the ball during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at FedEx Field Oct. 9, 2022, in Landover, Md. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Smith pointed to