Commanders Coach Ron Rivera Reveals Which QB Will Get 'First Chance' as Starter
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The Washington Commanders have a quarterback battle on their hands. With soon-to-be second-year quarterback Sam Howell many people's favorite to win the role, Washington signed veteran Jacoby Brissett as either competition or as a backup for Howell.
After impressing in the 26-6 Week 18 win over the Dallas Cowboys last year, fans want to see Howell get the first crack at winning the starting job...but when did the Commanders know that Howell could be "the guy"?
Head coach Ron Rivera spoke at the NFL owner's meeting and detailed when he thought Howell could be the team's starter.
"I think there is a certain point towards the end of the season last season that we started seeing some real positive signs that really showed you that he [Howell] is very confident and comfortable to begin with," Rivera said. "A couple of times, some things happened in practice, and you would see him fix it himself."
Seeing that progression from a rookie quarterback gave the Commanders a good sense of what kind of player they had on their hands...a really good one. Despite his fifth-round selection, Howell showed his ability during practice when Carson Wentz was injured.
It was then that Rivera knew that he would be the one to get the first crack at the starting job next year.
"Knowing what we did, you really started to see that because when he was the number two guy, he got reps," Rivera said. "I felt comfortable saying that this is the guy that's going to get the chance. He will be the first guy to get the chance."
So, it appears, at least for now, that Howell will get the first crack at winning the starting role. It is now his job to take this opportunity with both hands and slam the door shut on Brissett even getting a chance to usurp him.
Whether he does that is unknown, but Howell has the chance to live out every kid's dream...he just has to take it.
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