Commanders' Ron Rivera Wants 'Consistency' From Sam Howell in Final Stretch
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has had an up-and-down season, which is what most expect from a player in just his second year.
While there have been some good performances from Howell, over the last month, the form line has been trending south. Part of that could be the long, arduous season catching up with him, and part of it could be that teams have enough film on him now and are devising good game plans to stop him.
After being benched in the 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last week, there was a thought that Jacoby Brissett could start for the last three games, but head coach Ron Rivera squashed that post-game.
But what does Rivera want/need to see from Howell in the final three weeks?
“If there's one thing, just to me, is just the consistency," Rivera said. "To continue with the consistency. It's been a tough few weeks. We haven't played the way we've wanted as a team. I think again, it is a good opportunity as we just look at them, focus in on them one at a time, and play consistent football.”
![Ron Rivera wants Howell to play consistent football in the final three weeks of the season.](https://www.si.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MjAyNTQwNDYzODQyOTI3NjI4/rivera-howell.jpg)
Ron Rivera wants Howell to play consistent football in the final three weeks of the season.
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Rivera is right, the last few weeks have been tough. The Washington offense, in the last month, has failed to score more than 20 points and has had nine turnovers in the time.
Howell, in that time, has thrown six interceptions, just two touchdown passes, and 785 passing yards (averaging just 196 yards per game). So things aren't exactly going smoothly.
But Howell has three games against the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and the Dallas Cowboys to steady the ship and put some good things on film.
Rivera wants consistency from his young quarterback, will he get it?