Did Ron Rivera Ever 'Doubt' Naming Sam Howell as Commanders QB?
One of the most intriguing storylines of the Washington Commanders' offseason was the quarterback position. With Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke, moved on, Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett battled it out for the role.
After impressing during training camp with his grasp of Eric Bieniemy's offense, Howell grew into a more confident player, which ultimately led to Rivera's decision.
But did he have any doubts?
“I didn't have doubt, but I wanted to get through Baltimore [joint practices]," Rivera said.
"To me, I thought that was where it would've come to a head, that you go out there and just lay an egg. But no, he came out that first practice and he was on. He made a couple mistakes, things that most certainly are correct him and things he'll learn as as he grows. But for the long haul, for the future of us going forward, I really do believe that Sam's the guy we're gonna go with.”
With Brissett, a veteran in the league, putting pressure on Howell for the starting role, many still believed that Howell was the leader in the race, after all, Brissett is a known commodity in the NFL, Howell isn't.
But naming a starting quarterback for your organization that has just one regular season appearance to his name (Week 18 win over the Dallas Cowboys last season) is a tough decision.
But when did Rivera know that Howell was the right choice to lead the franchise?
“I think after the first practice against Baltimore," Rivera said. "That was the high watermark for me in terms of having to see him show us that he is capable of doing the things that we need him to do. It was a very good day. There was a lot of positive things that came out of it. So, I just feel confident enough and comfortable enough to say that Sam's our guy. There is still more growth to go, and he's gonna continue to get better, we believe that, and I'm very confident going forward.”
With the quarterback battle now settled, Howell's focus can now fully be on becoming the best player he can be under Bieniemy and his new scheme.
Naturally, there will be some ups and downs given the lack of experience that Howell has, but the Commanders feel content with him going forward.
However...the battle is far from over.
As we have seen in the NFL, it doesn't take long for some coaches to pull the trigger on their quarterback if he isn't playing upto standard.
Howell will get another chance to further ease any nerves about Washington's decision when they play the Baltimore Ravens in Game 2 of their preseason schedule on Monday night.
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