The Washington Commanders have had eight quarterbacks start in the past two seasons, from Alex Smith to Garrett Gilbert. Needless to say, that is a bit more than most teams in that timeframe. 

Coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew believe that carousel has come to a halt with Carson Wentz, who the Commanders acquired from the Indianapolis Colts. There are several threads that point to Wentz being an upgrade for the Burgundy & Gold, one of the most obvious being that his 2021 stats -- 3,563 yards with 27 touchdowns to seven interceptions -- are better than those from any signal-caller that has suited up for the team since 2020. 

Mayhew had another idea in mind when asked Aug. 31 about the biggest stride the team has made because of Wentz. 

"He has stabilized that position for us. And we're excited about what he brings to the table in terms of his physical talent and also what he brings to the table as a person, as a leader." 

Rivera made it a point to address the quarterback position at the start of the offseason, believing that the third season of his tenure was the time to see noticeable growth from the roster. It has taken time for Wentz to get comfortable with the offense, but there were moments in training camp when the unit flashed that progress.  

With Washington less than a week away from the start of the regular season, Rivera still believes the offense is primed for another big step. 

"I think we've got a good group," Rivera said. "We feel good about the line. It's a good group of players that we feel have some really good quality starts from their past and they have some good football ahead of them. I think they're geared up and ready to roll. I like the playmakers we have." 

The preseason offered the first glimpse what a Wentz-led offense will look like in 2022 -- he finished the month 16-of-22 for 138 yards -- but the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars will be the first test that actually counts. Starting the season with a win would go a long way towards giving the team confidence for the season ahead. 

Kickoff will be at FedExField on Sept. 11 at 1 p.m.

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Monday, Sept. 5, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.

The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.

• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes that Jamin Davis is making progress in Year 2 with the Commanders.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala write about the Commanders believing in Carson Wentz.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras looks at the Commanders' excitement about Armani Rogers.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras reports on Ryan Kerrigan being announced as one of the team's 90 greatest players.
• The Athletic's Ben Standig looks at Curtis Samuel's new perspective ahead of his second season with the team.
• The Richmond-Times Dispatch's Michael Phillips recaps Washington's 60th annual Welcome Home Luncheon.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey offers insight into the re-signing of Jon Bostic.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about the stability Carson Wentz brings at QB.
• The Washington Post's Scott Allen gives five positive predictions for the Commanders' 2022 season.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier reports on the Commanders' roster moves after announcing the initial 53.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about how the Brian Robinson injury impacted the Commanders' roster.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about the Commanders announcing their practice squad.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras writes about Martin Mayhew saying Carson Wentz stabilizes the quarterback position.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• Commanders praise 'remarkable' progress from Armani Rogers
• Dax Milne eager to continue proving himself in Year 2
• Commanders announce inductees to 'Greatest Players' list
• 5 takeaways from Washington's initial 53-man roster
• Commanders announce practice squad
• Commanders claim CBs Tariq Castro-Fields, Rachad Wildgoose off waivers
• Transformative potential of girls’ flag football on display at Commanders’ Nike Kickoff Classic initiative
• A closer look at the Washington Commanders' initial 53-man roster
• Media roundup | Ron Rivera reflects on initial 53-man roster
• From the booth | Focus and refocus
• Ron Rivera, players offer support for Brian Robinson as he recovers from gunshot wounds
• Sam Howell appreciative of extended preseason snaps