Jacoby Brissett mentorship remains as big Commanders opportunity looms

Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett is still eager to maintain his mentorship status as a big opportunity looms in Week 17.

Jacoby Brissett gave another tremendous account of himself once the Washington Commanders benched Sam Howell for the second consecutive week at the New York Jets. Instead of reveling in the glory of being the more productive quarterback, the veteran is keen to maintain his role as a mentor throughout a difficult time.

All signs point to Brissett being under center in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. Howell's regression couldn't have come at a worse time. The promising signal-caller who proudly made Ron Rivera claim the Commanders had solved their complex riddle at football's most important position is long gone. Something that could alter how the organization approaches their offseason plans for good measure.

Commanders QB duo will stick together through adversity

Regardless of what comes next for Brissett and Howell, the free-agent signing is intent on continuing to provide a strong support system for the former fifth-round selection based on comments via Pro Football Talk. This is a testament to the leadership qualities of someone held in the highest regard around the league.

"I told him ‘This is going to be the hardest part of your career right now. It’s going to feel like you’re in this by yourself. It’s snowballing. It’s one thing after another, it’s one thing after another. But I know from being in this league, man, the good ones find a way to get to the other side. No matter how long it takes, how hard it is. You surround yourself with good people. I hope he leans on me as one of those good people that will help him get through this because I know I will."

- Jacoby Brissett via Pro Football Talk

The Commanders aren't playing for anything other than a high draft pick. Rivera will make the decision based on which player he thinks can help him salvage something from another season of abject misery. The head coach almost managed to diminish Howell's long-term chances and deny the new regime an opportunity to draft a college prospect in one fell swoop before the Jets notched a last-gasp field goal.

Although Brissett would never admit it, getting prolonged reps provides him with the chance to enhance his hopes of getting a starting gig somewhere in 2024. The Commanders are unlikely to keep him around once his contract expires. Putting out good tape is only going to increase interest in his services.

Howell's future is murkier. He clearly has talent. It's not been the easiest situation with a lame-duck head coach and new ownership. But the alarming dip in performance levels might force Washington in a different direction to get this once-proud franchise back among the contenders.

Brissett has been around long enough to know how this might go for Howell. He's experienced hardship himself. Therefore, the signal-caller can offer advice on how best to handle adversity and come out on the other side fighting.

This can be integral to Howell's hopes of carving out a successful career for himself. Rivera seems to be giving up on the North Carolina product on his way out of the door. Fortunately for the second-year pro, Brissett can help guide him through choppy waters while also focusing on how he can maximize his time under center if given the starting job.

Nobody thought it would end like this. But as always, Brissett will roll with the punches.