Will Washington Commanders Start Jacoby Brissett Over Sam Howell After Loss vs. Los Angeles Rams?
The Washington Commanders are already facing an important decision on coach Ron Rivera's job status moving forward - and now may have more immediately pressing controversy looming on their quarterback situation.
Washington (4-10) benched starting signal caller Sam Howell for backup Jacoby Brissett in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams (7-7) inside SoFi Stadium.
Facing a 28-7 deficit, Rivera turned to Brissett in need of a spark ... and he provided exactly that, scoring two touchdowns in as many possessions.
Howell finished the afternoon just 11 of 26 for 102 yards, one touchdown and an interception while adding three rushes for 22 yards.
The second-year pro led only one scoring drive on nine possessions, and his final pass was picked off by Rams safety John Johnson III.
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) moves out to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
In contrast, Brissett went eight of 10 for 124 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by completions of 48 and 29 yards to receiver Terry McLaurin.
So, did Brissett do enough to earn the starting job for next Sunday's game against the New York Jets?
In short, the answer is "no," as Rivera confirmed Howell remains the starting quarterback - and Washington's fourth-year coach revealed why he made the decision to bench his young passer in the first place.
"Just really trying to take care of him a little bit," Rivera said. "You get in that situation, and they have their ears pinned back like that, didn't want to see anything crazy happen."
Brissett reiterated similar thoughts postgame, noting the contest reached a point where it was time to get ready for the following week.
While still a competitor, Brissett made sure to go out of his way after each possession to offer encouragement to Howell, who entered the day ranked sixth in the NFL with 3,466 passing yards.
"Literally every time I was off the field, I was talking to him because I know how this moment can feel," Brissett said. "I've been in similar situations and the key is you can't be discouraged, can't lose confidence - and I'm sure he won't.
"I'm sure he can come back and get better from this."
Across 11 possessions, Washington's offense accumulated 297 total net yards. During Howell's nine drives, the Commanders recorded 166 yards. In Brissett's two, they logged 131 yards.
Still, when Washington kicks off at 1 p.m. EST next Sunday, it'll be Howell's show - and Brissett will be standing behind him wholeheartedly.
"Like I told him, he's going to be a good player in this league for a long time," Brissett said. "This shouldn't discourage him. He's like my little brother - I always have his back."
