Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Sam Howell, Camaron Cheeseman and Week 16
By Dean Jones
Sam Howell's mindset
Sam Howell taking a seat in Week 15 was extremely disappointing. After flashing moments of real quality throughout his first season as a starter, things are beginning to tail off for the quarterback at the worst possible time.
The Washington Commanders are about to embark on wholesale changes. That leaves Howell's future beyond the current campaign hanging in the balance. He must bounce back over the next three games despite the margin for error decreasing significantly following an eye-catching cameo from veteran backup Jacoby Brissett at the Los Angeles Rams.
When discussing the benching and what comes next, Howell acknowledged the need to raise his performance levels based on comments via USA Today Sports. But the former fifth-round selection out of North Carolina is running out of time.
"It is what it is. I just got to play better. We had some things there on offense, and we did some good things throughout the game, but it just wasn’t good enough. I got to play better, got to execute better."
- Sam Howell via USA Today Sports
There's no telling what a new front office and coaching staff will make of Howell - or anyone else for that matter. Finishing the season on a positive note will enhance his chances of an extended stint under center. Anything less would be disastrous for the player's hopes of another year as QB1.