With a critical stretch ahead of Sam Howell, commanders up the ante.
With three games remaining in 2023, the Washington Commanders have officially upped the ante for quarterback Sam Howell.
Not too long ago, head coach Ron Rivera declared with pride that Sam Howell was the quarterback of the future. something that the Washington Commanders have been aching for ever since they mishandled Kirk Cousins’ contract situation and let him sign a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
Right now, everything appears completely different. Howell’s performance in the last few weeks has been patchy. With veteran backup Jacoby Brissett making an impressive cameo and his benching in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams, the stakes are only higher going into a pivotal final three games of the season.
More from Sam Howell is required for commanders.
Rivera and Howell have not discussed the change or potential future plans, according to comments made by Sports Illustrated. The former fifth-round pick did, however, recognize that in order to improve his prospects of a better future in 2024 with a new coaching staff, he must be more productive and consistent.
To be honest, we have not even discussed it. However, I am just going to try to keep working hard, take each day as it comes, and continue to try to be the best player I can be for this team. Of course, it is difficult to say, but if we did know what the problem was, we would solve it. However, I believe that the main thing we need to do is improve our execution, and I must start with myself. So these past few weeks have not been good. Naturally, we wish we could go back and repeat it, but in actuality, we are powerless and the only things we have control over are how we proceed from here and end the year.”
via Sports Illustrated, Sam Howell
Howell’s first season as a starter would inevitably include ups and downs. The peaks have been amazing. The nadirs have been awful. For better or worse, the Commanders must continue as they are at this late point.
For the duration of his head coaching career, Rivera and quarterback confusion have gone hand in hand. In addition, he wants to save his reputation before Josh Harris’s management team fires him for yet another round of poor performance. Therefore, if Howell struggles against the New York Jets in Week 16 once more, a permanent change cannot be ruled out.
The events that transpire during the next three games will have long-term consequences as well. The benching of Howell for a second, and possibly final, time will not go unnoticed by any incoming administration. This may force the Commanders to use their premium first-round pick on a quarterback instead of a top offensive tackle like Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu.
Alternatively, the Commanders could try something bolder, like trading for an experienced player or searching the free-agent market for a player who could make a significant impact. That would be more costly than bringing in a rookie, which would make it harder for them to raise enough money to assemble a strong roster.
The fandom has differing opinions on this matter. You could argue Howell deserves another chance, preferably without a lame-duck head coach and with a more productive supporting cast. Some believe that this new beginning requires a young quarterback to base their hopes around from the college ranks.
Howell still has three games left to make up for the recent narrative turnaround. However, it appears that Rivera is running out of time based on his ambiguous remarks.
• Four Commanders players could be benched in Week 16 against the New York Jets; • Commanders News: Emmanuel Forbes, Sam Howell, Ron Rivera, and power rankings; • Ron Rivera’s quarterback confusion is a symbolic end to Commanders tenure; and • Three Commanders who should get another look under the new regime in 2024.
