Commanders Depth Chart: QBs Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett Will Both 'Probably End Up Playing'

As predictions go NFL.com makes one pertaining to Washington Commanders quarterbacks Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett without delivering the punchline.

If you are for the Washington Commanders playing second-year quarterback Sam Howell this coming season then NFL.com has a prediction you'll probably like. 

However, if you are in favor of the veteran Jacoby Brissett quarterbacking the Commanders in 2023 then you'll also like the same prediction. 

How is that possible?

"Both Commanders quarterbacks will probably end up playing," writes NFL.com in its depth chart projections for each NFC East team. "Jacoby Brissett got the top contract of any backup quarterback and could feel like a safer option for a staff that likely needs to win to survive an ownership change. Second-year pro Sam Howell was intriguing in Week 18 last season and has a better skill set than his fifth-round draft status indicates."

What NFL.com fails to deliver in this interesting prediction is just how this scenario will unfold. 

We know from coach Ron Rivera's point of view that Howell will begin the team's OTA and training camp period as the team's No. 1 quarterback and is being given a clear path to claiming the starting job. 

If he veers off, then perhaps Brissett gets the nod to start the regular season while Howell works with offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy in the background on getting more comfortable with the system and the NFL game. 

When the time comes that Howell is ready - or when the team desperately needs a shot of energy - then he reclaims his starting job. 

That would make this prediction an accurate one. 

But there's another and less desirable way this goes down. 

After performing well enough in training camp and the preseason Howell starts the regular season as the top quarterback, but at some point falters and Brissett takes over. 

Of course, only one of these scenarios where both Howell and Brissett play for the Commanders is a good one. 

And then there's the third scenario we'll call the 'technicality clause' where one of these quarterbacks has a special play, or package, or comes in due to injury and NFL.com claims victory on its prediction anyway. 

Either way, it's an interesting prediction made by the league's media outlet and if it comes true it signals some sort of struggle for Howell as the new leader of the Commanders.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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