Eric Bieniemy on Commanders’ QB Change: ‘This Is What’s Best’

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy reacted to the decision to bench quarterback Sam Howell in favor of veteran Jacoby Brissett.

Assuming Jacoby Brissett's hamstring allows him to play, the Washington Commanders will have a new starting quarterback Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, with the veteran set to replace second-year pro Sam Howell. 

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While Howell had moments of brilliance this season -- as evidenced by his 19 touchdown passes and 3,624 passing yards -- he's also thrown 17 interceptions, far too high of an interception rate to consistently be successful. And so after being replaced in each of the last two games by Brissett, Howell will head to the bench altogether as the Commanders attempt to snap a six-game losing streak. 

"We got to make sure that we are doing what is right, not just for the team, but also to what is best for the organization," offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said of the switch at quarterback. "And right now, this is what's best.”

It can be debated if playing Brissett right now is what's best for the long-term future of the organization, given that he's a free agent at the end of the season and Howell did have some intriguing moments. But Howell has been sacked a staggering 60 times this season, and perhaps giving him a chance to regroup is the best thing for his long-term development, especially with the Commanders facing long odds against the 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. 

At the same time, it's probably hard for this current coaching staff to be all that focused on the long-term future given that they almost certainly won't be part of it. Coach Ron Rivera feels all-but certain to be fired at the conclusion of the season. And it feels like Bieniemy being promoted to coach isn't especially likely, as Josh Harris looks to bring in his own regime. Maybe a new coach with a defensive background will be hired and consider keeping Bieniemy as assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, but even that doesn't seem probable. 

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Perhaps the reality is that Rivera has a 102-101-2 record as an NFL coach between Washington and the Carolina Panthers. If he feels that Brissett gives him even a 5% better chance to stay above .500 -- whether it's because he wants to coach elsewhere or just have a positive legacy -- that might be all the reason needed for the switch in the mind of the coach.