Commanders News: Josh Harris, Dan Snyder, Sam Howell and Ron Rivera
By Dean Jones
Ron Rivera's last chance with Commanders
Whether Ron Rivera's roster-building methods will bear fruit during a critical season for the head coach in 2023 remains to be seen. But considering how high the stakes are about to get once a new ownership group comes into the fold, his job depends on it.
One thing Rivera's preached above all else this offseason is avoiding desperation. The pressure might be increasing exponentially, but the experienced figure is not going to deviate from his original plans to bring the Washington Commanders back to prominence.
This all centers on whether quarterback Sam Howell can excel in a prominent starting role. When discussing the matter in a feature examining offseason questions recently, Marc Sessler from Around the NFL stated what many already know - this is Rivera's final chance to solve the Commanders' complex riddle under center.
"The Commanders are crossing their fingers at quarterback. Jacoby Brissett is a fine backup who showed starting traits a year ago. He's hardly a sure thing, though, which is also true of second-year arm Sam Howell. Washington brass appears unmoved, ignoring the position in the draft and telling us on repeat that Howell is their guy. This could be Ron Rivera's final chance to get it right under center. He might as well pick his own dance partner."
- Marc Sessler via NFL.com
Hopes are high that Howell can provide a level of assurance that was sorely lacking at times last season. If he cannot meet these expectations, Rivera will be looking for alternative employment.
Simple as that, really.