Commanders News: Sam Howell, Ron Rivera, Week 17 and Bill Belichick
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as the dust settles on their disappointing road loss at the New York Jets in Week 16?
Just when it looked like the Washington Commanders couldn't get any lower. Their complete capitulation en route to an 11th loss of the season against the New York Jets was the latest incompetent performance from a team in freefall. They are in disarray and head coach Ron Rivera will pay with his job sooner rather than later.
Anyway, we hope you all had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed the day with your families! The stories causing debate include Rivera's assessment, early information for Week 17 versus the San Francisco 49ers, the problem with appointing Bill Belichick, and Sam Howell on the brink.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders' HC Ron Rivera's assessment
It was another afternoon to forget for Ron Rivera. The head coach isn't managing to keep his players focused. They are devoid of inspiration. Something the New York Jets capitalized on immediately to put the game almost out of sight within the first five minutes.
After the game, Rivera cut a forlorn figure and benched Sam Howell again. Again, he didn't mix his words via USA Today Sports about the decision to sit his quarterback. Unfortunately, they are being seen as empty by almost everyone associated with the franchise these days.
"You know it was tough. We didn’t help him early; we dropped a couple [of] balls that we probably should have caught, and then that’s tough. Your confidence can sometimes get shaken, and that’s what I started to feel in the second half, and I was really concerned and that’s why I made the decision I did."
- Ron Rivera via USA Today Sports
Two more games stand between Rivera and his inevitable dismissal. When he looks back on another season of vast underachievement, he can start with his inability to get anything right under center,