Commanders QB Situation 'Risky Business' For Ron Rivera?

The Washington Commanders quarterback situation is a true "throwing yourself in the deep end of the pool and see if you can swim" type of deal. With Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett making up the quarterback room, there are more questions than answers right now.

For some, Ron Rivera is coaching for his job in Washington, especially when Eric Bienieny is the offensive coordinator and, in all likelihood, a head coach in waiting.

Is the way Washington has gone about its business with the quarterback room on a team that was close to a playoff appearance last season a bit risky? ESPN's Adam Rank thinks it is odd that Rivera has gone down this path when his job is clearly on the line.

"Ron Rivera seems committed to going with the 2022 fifth-round pick to start the season," Rank writes. "Does this strike you as risky business? Well, it's worth pointing out that Brock Purdy's stunning emergence last season in San Francisco has given life to late-round QBs. To his credit, Howell made one start last season and was actually pretty good, guiding Washington to a 26-6 win over Dallas in Week 18. So why not give him a shot at this point, eh? I'm into it."

As the saying goes, if you have two quarterbacks, you have none, and for the Commanders, it doesn't feel like they are sold on Howell just yet. While, yes, he gets the first crack at the starting job, he hasn't "got" it yet.

There is a reason to be optimistic, though.

With offensive wizard in Bieniemy, along with the likes of Jahan Dotson, Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Brian Robinson Jr. at running back, there are some weapons for Howell.

Couple that with Jack Del Rio's defense, which was ranked seventh in the league for points allowed per game (20.2), Howell might not need to carry the team to wins.

Rivera has nailed his colors to Howell's mast next season, and in a year where it feels like he is fighting for his job, it seems like a ballsy decision to make.

"The question I keep coming back to for Rivera: Is this really the best way to get after it if you're trying to save your job?," Rank wrote. "That's why the signing of journeyman QB Jacoby Brissett is so interesting. Brissett is an A+ backup quarterback, but isn't a franchise guy. It will be fascinating to see how long a rope Howell gets. If the kid struggles, how quickly will Rivera look to bring in the veteran reliever?"

Not many are sold on the current situation and if it gives Washington the best chance to surpass what it managed last season.

Choosing your quarterback is a critical decision, only time will tell if this is the right one.

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