Commanders to 'Evaluate Everything' at QB as Jacoby Brissett Replaces Sam Howell vs. Jets
For the second consecutive week, Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera benched quarterback Sam Howell for backup Jacoby Brissett facing a big second half deficit.
And much like last week's 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Commanders (4-11) were sparked by Brissett - but in a losing effort, falling 30-28 to the New York Jets (6-9) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Who gets the nod next Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers? It's still to be determined - but unlike after the Rams game, Rivera will consider a change.
"We're going to evaluate everything," Rivera said postgame. "We'll come to a conclusion very early in the week."
Howell went just 6 of 22 for 56 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. Rivera said he felt Howell pressed against the Rams and did so once again in East Rutherford, but it wasn't all his fault.
"It was tough - we didn't help him early," Rivera said. "We dropped a couple balls we probably should've caught. Your confidence sometimes can get shaken. That's what I started to feel in the second half, and I was really concerned. That's why I made the decision I did."
Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) throws against the New York Jets in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium.
Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Rivera added there were moments he thought Howell did well, but ultimately turned to Brissett, trailing 27-7 halfway through the third quarter.
The decision was entirely Rivera's - he let offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy know, and Bieniemy was fine with it, so Rivera went ahead and pulled the trigger.
Brissett's entrance changed the game, as he went 10 of 13 for 100 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers while adding 10 yards on the ground.
He sparked Washington's offense, guiding three consecutive touchdown drives to take a 28-27 lead.
What sparked the difference?
"I would say a little more about veteran experience, a little more of the fact he's been through these types of things," Rivera said. "And Sam's still learning and growing."
The Commanders' offense had a chance to put the game away but went three-and-out, giving the ball to New York with just under two minutes to play.
Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian led an eight-play, 31-yard drive that ended with a game-winning 54-yard field goal from kicker Greg Zuerlein.
Washington received the ball with just five seconds left and made nothing of it, suffering a sixth straight defeat.
The Commanders - with a quarterback decision to be made ahead of time - return to action next Sunday, Dec. 31, at 1 p.m. EST against the 49ers inside FedEx Field.
