Commanders news: Ron Rivera, Eric Bieniemy, injuries and Sam Howell

Commanders QB Sam Howell's growth through adversity

Sam Howell is getting ready to embark on what could be his final game as the Washington Commanders starting quarterback. It's been a rollercoaster ride for the signal-caller. But head coach Ron Rivera made the correct call by giving the former fifth-round pick a chance to see things through in Week 18.

Things could have gone better for Howell. It could also have been much worse. When discussing the one-time North Carolina standout recently, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy believes the adversity faced has allowed the gunslinger to grow as a player and a man based on comments via USA Today Sports.

"In order for a quarterback to play, you got to give him an opportunity. Now, obviously, you could look back at situations and say he did something different, but a lot of that is predicated on the score, the situation that presents itself. Yeah, there’s a number of things that you can do to change everything, but it worked out the way it did. I think what has happened throughout the course of the season, it’s helped Sam to grow. Like I said, he’s had some highs, he’s had some lows, he’s had some challenging situations, but the thing that is not only testing him as a talent, is testing his character, and he’s finding out more about who he is as a person."

- Eric Bieniemy via USA Today Sports

Howell will be looking to finish on a high versus an exceptional Dallas Cowboys defense. Easier said than done, but one more rousing effort is needed to improve his chances in Washington or elsewhere heading into the 2024 offseason.