Commanders' Ron Rivera Sees 'Some Positives' In Sam Howell's Development
The Washington Commanders made the decision to go forward with Sam Howell as the starter in preseason, and most can agree that it was the right decision.
As the season begins to take its toll on the younger players as the physical and mental grind is now in full swing, Howell was benched in the Commanders' 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in favor of Jacoby Brissett.
But despite there being some ups and downs this season, regarding the development of Howell, head coach Ron Rivera does see some positives.
“There has been some positives and it continues to be positive, but the thing you always want to make sure is, as you’re saying, we're still seeing the growth and that’s something we have to sit down and discuss and see exactly where we all feel he is.”
Rivera did state that Howell is still the starter going forward, and with three games to go, the young quarterback has a chance to finish the season by putting some good things on film.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has seen positives in Sam Howell's development this season.
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders face the New York Jets, the San Francisco 49ers before finishing up against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field.
With the season done at 4-10, what is Rivera's messaging to his team as they approach the final three games with nothing to play for?
“I think it's about getting the opportunity to go out and play more than anything else," Rivera said. "I mean, this really is about wanting to be out there, wanting to play this game. And again, you also appeal to their side as professionals. As a professional, you play for what's out there for you and for these guys, yes, it's the opportunity to go out and play and just go out there and want to play, first and foremost. That is what we'll continue to emphasize.”
Washington doesn't have anything to play for but pride in the final stretch of the season, but perhaps one of the biggest things to keep an eye on is how Howell plays.
As it stands, the Commanders will have a high draft pick, and with a host of talented quarterbacks set to be available, based on Howell performs over the next three weeks, Washington might have a decision to make.
Howell has shown promise and progression in his first season as a starter, but has there been enough to warrant the Commanders overlooking a number of talented prospects in the upcoming draft?
He has three weeks to answer that question.
