Commanders News: Jacoby Brissett, Sam Howell, Ron Rivera and Terry McLaurin
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as preparations continue for their Week 17 game against the San Francisco 49ers?
There is never a dull moment when it comes to the Washington Commanders. Plenty of headlines emerged from a dramatic Wednesday after head coach Ron Rivera made yet another change at the quarterback position heading into the team's Week 17 game against the Sam Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field.
Such a big development meant there was a lot to unpack. Among the stories causing fierce debate include Sam Howell's reflection, Rivera's reasoning, Jacoby Brissett's mindset, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin playing the role of motivator amid yet more offensive alterations.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders make QB change
After Sam Howell was benched for the second straight game in Week 16 at the New York Jets - coupled with how well Jacoby Brissett performed - it didn't take a genius to figure out what was coming. Ron Rivera made the decision official on Wednesday, naming the veteran as his starter this weekend and demoting the former fifth-round selection.
When outlining the reasoning behind the switch with just two games remaining, Rivera claimed this was still about keeping the bigger picture in mind for Howell based on comments via the team's website. Even if this is a disastrous turn of events for the signal-caller in pursuit of getting another look as QB1 under a new regime in 2024.
"I think this is probably a good opportunity for Sam to take a break. This is about Sam's continued development and things hadn't gone as well as we'd like for him the last few weeks. We just think this is a good opportunity for him to watch."
- Ron Rivera via Commanders.com
Rivera added that the punishment Howell endured throughout the campaign is another reason why he's been taken out of the firing line. While admirable, it only highlights his complete mismanagement of the quarterback spot and the lack of priority given to the Washington Commanders offensive line. Just two reasons that suggest a change in approach is almost guaranteed.