Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Sam Howell, Camaron Cheeseman and Week 16

Ron Rivera adds to Commanders confusion

Ron Rivera nailed his flag to the mast where Sam Howell was concerned this offseason. The Washington Commanders could have gone in a different direction entering such a critical campaign. Instead, the head coach placed his faith in the former fifth-round pick to become the team's long-term option under center.

Just a few short weeks ago, Rivera was patting himself on the back for taking the risk with Howell. He was even using it as an example of his roster-building success when pressured by the media.

Now? Not so much.

Howell was benched in Week 15 at the Los Angeles Rams. When asked about whether the North Carolina product was still his guy, Rivera added further confusion to the current state of affairs based on comments via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

"Well, if this was about playoffs and we’re right in the middle of it and stuff like that, that’s something you most certainly have to consider. Do we still have that opportunity to continue to win? That’s one of the things you always consider because, again, you want to make sure everybody’s getting the opportunity to be successful."

- Ron Rivera via X/Twitter

So basically, if the Commanders were in the playoff picture, Jacoby Brissett would be the starting quarterback. This is a complete 180 from Rivera. It also represents another example of his inability to properly evaluate football's most critical position.

Fortunately for the Commanders, this won't be a problem for much longer.