Commanders' Ron Rivera 'Betting it All' on Sam Howell

Sam Howell and Ron Rivera are playing arguably the two most important roles for the Washington Commanders this season.

Jeremy Brener | May 21, 2023

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Washington Commanders

Ron Rivera is entering his fourth season as coach of the Washington Commanders, and it could be his last if the team doesn't improve.

Rivera has yet to lead Washington to a winning record during his tenure, and if that is going to change this season, second-year pro Sam Howell will have to defy expectations.

"Ron Rivera is betting it all on Sam Howell," CBS Sports writes. "Or at least it feels that way. Jacoby Brissett is in place as a backup and potential spot starter, but he's long since proven he's better suited coming off the bench. Rivera, meanwhile, has some assets -- a true WR1 in Terry McLaurin, an enviable defensive front -- but has been somewhat aimlessly searching for a long-term QB dating back to his last years in Carolina. Six years removed from a winning season, he's somehow content asking Howell, a 2022 fifth-rounder with a single NFL start under his belt, to overtake the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants."

If the Commanders opted to sign a veteran quarterback to start like Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo, or traded for someone like Lamar Jackson or Aaron Rodgers, people would have understood. However, by passing on all of those options, Washington is showing its cards and banking on Howell.

Howell and Rivera need each other for this opportunity. If it doesn't work out, both of their jobs with the Commanders, and the NFL, could be in serious jeopardy.

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Published May 21, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.