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,
Commanders vs. 49ers early odds, how to watch
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Washington Commanders are 13.5-point underdogs at home to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17, which is available at -110 either way (bet $110 to win $100). This is a fair reflection when one considers the current state of both teams, who are going in completely different directions.
Anyone crazy enough to bet the Commanders' money line can get whopping odds of +610 currently (bet $100 to win $610). San Francisco looks primed to give former Washington coach Kyle Shanahan another win in familiar surroundings at -900 (bet $900 to win $100).
FanDuel Sportsbook has set the over/under at 48.5 points. This is available at -110 depending on which side takes your fancy (bet $110 to win $100).
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
How to watch:
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The game is also being broadcast live on FOX and is set to kick off at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
The problem with Commanders and Bill Belichick
The Washington Commanders have two games left. But most fans have been looking forward to the offseason for weeks. One that represents the start of what will hopefully be an exciting new era for the franchise.
A new head coach will be coming into the building. Many anticipate it'll be someone experienced such as Bill Belichick. These rumors haven't gone away and are drawing a mixed response from fans, to put it mildly.
When discussing the possibility recently, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated highlighted one potential complication that could scupper any deal from coming to fruition. Specifically, the power Belichick would likely demand.
"Bill Belichick's name has popped up a lot in connection to the Commanders' job. And there's one thing at play there that might be a hurdle to that happening: My sense is that new owner Josh Harris won't hand the keys to the entire operation over to a single person. So if Belichick wants the power he has in New England (total power, which is tough for a coach to get these days), he might have to look elsewhere."Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
Belichick's coaching credentials aren't in question. His roster construction as the general manager has come in for scrutiny. Considering how this absolute power method hasn't worked under Ron Rivera, it's something Josh Harris will likely shy away from when the time comes.
Commanders QB Sam Howell's focus
It was another difficult afternoon for Sam Howell in Week 16 at the New York Jets. The struggling quarterback got off to the worst possible start thanks to failures elsewhere. His confidence waned as the game went on. He was benched again in favor of Jacoby Brissett, who immediately provided better composure and distribution under center.
The Washington Commanders almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory before faltering late. That may be a morale win for head coach Ron Rivera, but it is not a good look for Howell in his quest to be the team's starting signal-caller under the new regime.
Howell remains defiant based on comments via USA Today Sports. The former fifth-round pick is focusing on what he can control. After that, everything is out of his hands.
"I just have to keep controlling what I can control. I have to keep taking one day at a time, and I know it is still early on in my career; I am still a young player, and I just have to keep doing what I can to keep trying to get better and not let this moment define who I am as a player or who I am as a person. I won’t let it define me."Sam Howell via USA Today Sports
The possibility of Brissett starting in Week 17 versus the San Francisco 49ers has grown significantly. Considering their defense will be looking to get back on track after a poor performance against the Baltimore Ravens, that might be the best thing for Howell all things considered.