Commanders' Ron Rivera 'Betting it All' on Sam Howell
Ron Rivera is entering his fourth season as coach of the Washington Commanders, and it could be his last if the team doesn't improve.
Rivera has yet to lead Washington to a winning record during his tenure, and if that is going to change this season, second-year pro Sam Howell will have to defy expectations.
"Ron Rivera is betting it all on Sam Howell," CBS Sports writes. "Or at least it feels that way. Jacoby Brissett is in place as a backup and potential spot starter, but he's long since proven he's better suited coming off the bench. Rivera, meanwhile, has some assets -- a true WR1 in Terry McLaurin, an enviable defensive front -- but has been somewhat aimlessly searching for a long-term QB dating back to his last years in Carolina. Six years removed from a winning season, he's somehow content asking Howell, a 2022 fifth-rounder with a single NFL start under his belt, to overtake the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants."
If the Commanders opted to sign a veteran quarterback to start like Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo, or traded for someone like Lamar Jackson or Aaron Rodgers, people would have understood. However, by passing on all of those options, Washington is showing its cards and banking on Howell.
Howell and Rivera need each other for this opportunity. If it doesn't work out, both of their jobs with the Commanders, and the NFL, could be in serious jeopardy.
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