Ron Rivera defends Commanders’ pass-heavy approach in the name of developing QB Sam Howell
1 year, 2 months ago

Ron Rivera defends Commanders’ pass-heavy approach in the name of developing QB Sam Howell

Associated Press  

After Sam Howell dropped back to throw 52 times compared to 19 rushing attempts in the Washington Commanders’ latest loss, Ron Rivera defended the pass-heavy approach rather than criticizing the decision not to run the ball more. We’re trying to develop a young football team to be a very good football team for the future, and that’s what we’re going to continue to work on.” With new ownership led by Josh Harris now running the show, that future could come with a different front office and coaching staff that doesn’t include Rivera or offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. There’s no indication — or reason — the Commanders will bench Howell for veteran backup Jacoby Brissett, with Rivera saying he’s committed to the 2022 fifth-round draft pick. “I’m going to focus in on one game at a time because, the truth the matter is, that’s the only thing that matters right now and that’s getting ready for Philadelphia.” WHAT’S WORKING The defense showed up, with one of the Giants’ touchdowns coming after Howell threw his eighth pick of the season and gave them the ball in Washington territory.

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History of this topic

Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is out against the Steelers with a hamstring injury
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is out against the Steelers with a hamstring injury

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. will not play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers because of a hamstring injury. It’s up to them.” Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig and safety Terrell Edmunds are out, while special teams contributors Tyler Matakevich and Ben Skowronek are questionable. Rookie center Zach Frazier is set to start missing two games with an …

Commanders' Daniels' Health a Worry as They Rout Rout the Panthers 40-7
2 months ago

Commanders' Daniels' Health a Worry as They Rout Rout the Panthers 40-7

Associated Press  

The Washington Commanders defeated the Carolina Panthers 40-7 on Sunday. Jayden Daniels left the game with a rib injury, but he is expected to undergo further tests Monday. Despite the loss, the Commanders dominated the game, racking up 421 yards and scoring 27 points. Marcus Mariota threw two touchdown passes and ran for a touchdown, while Dante Fowler had a …

Bengals cornerback calls Commanders offense ‘simple’ and similar to those run in college
3 months ago

Bengals cornerback calls Commanders offense ‘simple’ and similar to those run in college

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt did not mince words about Washington’s offense and Jayden Daniels’ play when asked about the Commanders rookie quarterback ahead of the teams’ game Monday night. Nice college offense.” Asked Friday, first-year offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said he had not heard Taylor-Britt’s comments. He’s one of the best players in the league, and …

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is the focus of Washington Commanders training camp
4 months, 4 weeks ago

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is the focus of Washington Commanders training camp

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Jayden Daniels insists he is just a rookie, not yet a star quarterback. With all that in mind, Daniels is undoubtedly the focal point of Washington Commanders training camp that opened Wednesday, with all eyes on the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU who instantly became the face of the reinvigorated franchise when he was taken …

Commanders enter free agency with much to ponder: What’s the plan for Sam Howell?
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Commanders enter free agency with much to ponder: What’s the plan for Sam Howell?

New York Times  

There’s more to say about the Washington Commanders at the annual NFL Scouting Combine. Some will select a prospect in April’s draft but seek an experienced passer to help burp the kid through expected rookie ups and downs, as Jacoby Brissett did for Howell last season. Bears — rookie, veteran Broncos — rookie, Jarrett Stidham Buccaneers — FA, Kyle Trask …

Commanders are sticking with Sam Howell at quarterback against the Cowboys
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Commanders are sticking with Sam Howell at quarterback against the Cowboys

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — The Dallas Cowboys’ path to the NFC East title goes through Sam Howell. The decision comes with veteran backup Jacoby Brissett still nursing a sore hamstring and means Howell will be the first Washington QB to start every game of a season since Kirk Cousins in 2017. “Obviously been a lot of ups and downs this season …

Rivera won’t announce the Commanders’ QB vs. the Cowboys yet
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Rivera won’t announce the Commanders’ QB vs. the Cowboys yet

Associated Press  

Ron Rivera refused Tuesday to reveal who will start at quarterback for the Washington Commanders in their season finale this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. It could be an 18th consecutive start for Sam Howell, the first of the season for Jacoby Brissett or even Jake Fromm’s first NFL game action in nearly two years. “We don’t have to let …

Howell’s interception-filled season continues with two more in Washington’s loss to San Francisco
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Howell’s interception-filled season continues with two more in Washington’s loss to San Francisco

Associated Press  

— After thinking he lost his job as the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback, Sam Howell was back on the field Sunday doing what he has been doing a lot of lately: throwing interceptions. “I didn’t get much work in practice, but I’ve gotten work all season long,” Howell said. “I feel prepared even when I didn’t get the reps this …

Brissett to start for the Commanders against the 49ers after Howell was pulled from the last 2 games
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Brissett to start for the Commanders against the 49ers after Howell was pulled from the last 2 games

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Jacoby Brissett is set to start at quarterback for the Washington Commanders on Sunday when they host the NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers, a decision coach Ron Rivera framed as a chance for Sam Howell to get a breather late in a long season with the team long out of playoff contention. “He’s pretty much seen it all …

Commanders to start Jacoby Brissett vs. 49ers after benching Sam Howell on Sunday
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Commanders to start Jacoby Brissett vs. 49ers after benching Sam Howell on Sunday

New York Times  

Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera made in-game quarterback changes during each of the team’s past three contests. Howell has thrown eight interceptions with two touchdown passes in Washington’s last five games and only 285 passing yards in losses to the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets. Washington rallied in the last two games when Brissett entered after …

Commanders remain uncertain at quarterback after Sam Howell gets benched again in loss to Jets
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Commanders remain uncertain at quarterback after Sam Howell gets benched again in loss to Jets

Associated Press  

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Sam Howell had a chance to clear some of the doubts as to whether he can be the Washington Commanders’ quarterback of the future. Howell was replaced in the third quarter Sunday by Jacoby Brissett, who led the Commanders on three straight touchdown drives to help Washington erase a 20-point deficit and take a late lead …

Commanders bench QB Sam Howell in favor of Jacoby Brissett for second consecutive game
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Commanders bench QB Sam Howell in favor of Jacoby Brissett for second consecutive game

New York Times  

The Washington Commanders are officially in flux at quarterback. The team benched Sam Howell for the second week in a row in favor of veteran Jacoby Brissett in the third quarter of Sunday’s 30-28 loss to the New York Jets. Howell, the Commanders’ 2022 fifth-round pick, took a seat last week after going 11-of-26 passing for 102 yards with one …

Commanders have even brighter spotlight on Sam Howell entering final three-game stretch
1 year ago

Commanders have even brighter spotlight on Sam Howell entering final three-game stretch

New York Times  

ASHBURN, Va. — Eric Bieniemy set himself a Sam Howell reminder months ago that remains pertinent deep into the quarterback’s first season as an NFL starter. The five consecutive losses — four against teams firmly in the playoff chase — eliminated Washington from that tier, putting an even brighter spotlight on Howell’s growth. Rivera spent the entire season putting Howell’s …

Rivera will stick with Howell as Commanders’ QB despite Brissett’s big 4th quarter against Rams
1 year ago

Rivera will stick with Howell as Commanders’ QB despite Brissett’s big 4th quarter against Rams

Associated Press  

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Jacoby Brissett provided a spark that the Washington Commanders’ offense has been lacking the past few weeks. Despite that, coach Ron Rivera said after Sunday’s 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams that Sam Howell will remain the starting quarterback. “In a situation with their ears pulled back like that, I didn’t want to see anything crazy.” …

Commanders offensive breakdown: Will Sam Howell be the starting QB next season?
1 year ago

Commanders offensive breakdown: Will Sam Howell be the starting QB next season?

New York Times  

The speculation over who Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris seeks to run the front office and hire as head coach is dramatically ramping up. Before Harris reveals his vision, here’s a two-part 2024 roster preview — starting with the offense — of what they’ll tackle and how the starting spots might need rejiggering. Quarterback Starter — Sam Howell/TBD QB2/QB3 …

Rivera takes over Commanders’ defense, just in time to face the Dolphins and their NFL-best offense
1 year ago

Rivera takes over Commanders’ defense, just in time to face the Dolphins and their NFL-best offense

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Twelve games and eight losses into a season that has slipped away from the Washington Commanders, Ron Rivera made the move he felt necessary to try to turn things around by firing defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. “It’s most certainly different and just takes a little bit to get used to,” said Rivera, who last did this …

Rivera’s future with Commanders uncertain after much different Thanksgiving result against Cowboys
1 year ago

Rivera’s future with Commanders uncertain after much different Thanksgiving result against Cowboys

Associated Press  

ARLINGTON, Texas — Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera has a pleasant Thanksgiving memory against the Dallas Cowboys. Now, after the Commanders’ 45-10 loss Thursday in their 11th Thanksgiving Day game against Dallas, the first since that 25-point victory in 2020, there will only be more questions about Rivera’s future in Washington. “We’re just going to roll with the punches, whatever …

Howell has 3 interceptions among 6 Commanders turnovers in their 31-19 loss to the last-place Giants
1 year, 1 month ago

Howell has 3 interceptions among 6 Commanders turnovers in their 31-19 loss to the last-place Giants

Associated Press  

— Ron Rivera walked back into the locker room, saw Sam Howell sitting at his locker with his head down and asked the young quarterback, “You all right?” Rivera hunched over and talked to Howell for almost a minute before giving him a tap of encouragement on the right leg. Howell threw three interceptions among six Commanders turnovers, and Washington …

Sam Howell is the NFL’s leading passer through 10 weeks. The Commanders hope he’s their long-term QB
1 year, 1 month ago

Sam Howell is the NFL’s leading passer through 10 weeks. The Commanders hope he’s their long-term QB

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — The quarterback who has thrown for the most yards in the NFL this season isn’t Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts or Justin Herbert. “You see him see the rotation in the coverages better, which allows him to go through his progression quicker or get to where he needs to so he can release the ball in a timely …

Commanders’ 5th loss in 6 games exposes flaws in their makeup, especially on defense
1 year, 1 month ago

Commanders’ 5th loss in 6 games exposes flaws in their makeup, especially on defense

Associated Press  

When much of the chatter after the Washington Commanders’ latest loss was about whether Chase Young or Montez Sweat — or both — had played his final game for the team, the pass rushers were eager to deflect the trade talk to football. “There’s enough potential in that locker room to be a better football team,” coach Ron Rivera said. …

Howell throws 3 TD passes, Commanders pick off three Ridder passes in 24-16 win over Falcons
1 year, 2 months ago

Howell throws 3 TD passes, Commanders pick off three Ridder passes in 24-16 win over Falcons

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Jamin Davis sensed where the final pass was going before it left the quarterback’s hand. Davis snagged the last of three second-half interceptions against Atlanta’s Desmond Ridder, sealing Washington’s 24-16 victory over the Falcons on Sunday. Kendall Fuller grabbed the first interception against Ridder, returning it deep into Atlanta territory to set up Howell’s screen pass to running …

Why the Commanders should commit to sink or swim with Sam Howell this season
1 year, 2 months ago

Why the Commanders should commit to sink or swim with Sam Howell this season

New York Times  

ASHBURN, Va. — To anyone this week who considered or truly believes the best path for the Washington Commanders is benching Sam Howell now or, frankly, anytime this season, please read this in John McEnroe’s voice: You cannot be serious. The Commanders’ staff, led by coach Ron Rivera, thrust Howell into the QB1 slot way back in January because they …

Protecting quarterback Sam Howell is a major headache the Washington Commanders have not yet solved
1 year, 2 months ago

Protecting quarterback Sam Howell is a major headache the Washington Commanders have not yet solved

Associated Press  

Sam Howell on Sunday became just the sixth quarterback since the Super Bowl era began and the first since Warren Moon in 1995 to get sacked nine times and throw four interceptions. But the Washington Commanders’ biggest issue coming off a 37-3 loss to Buffalo is their remade offensive line protecting Howell better after giving up an NFL-high 19 sacks …

Sam Howell throws 4 interceptions and is sacked 9 times in the Commanders’ 37-3 loss to the Bills
1 year, 2 months ago

Sam Howell throws 4 interceptions and is sacked 9 times in the Commanders’ 37-3 loss to the Bills

Associated Press  

— Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell put up some historic numbers on Sunday: His four-interception, nine-sack performance was the first in the NFL in 28 years. Wins and losses are not the best — nor the fairest — way to evaluate a QB, but after all of the praise Howell received before this disaster of a 41.5-rating game, he certainly …

Howell leads big rally for Commanders, who hold on to beat Broncos after Wilson’s Hail Mary
1 year, 3 months ago

Howell leads big rally for Commanders, who hold on to beat Broncos after Wilson’s Hail Mary

Associated Press  

DENVER — Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste didn’t flinch after Brandon Johnson snared Russell Wilson’s 50-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass off a double deflection with no time remaining Sunday. St-Juste said he figured, “OK, we got one more opportunity to shut this down and come up with a ‘dub.’ “So, we locked in and made the play,” said St-Juste, who appeared …

Commanders improve to 2-0 for first time since 2011 as Broncos’ dramatic comeback falls short
1 year, 3 months ago

Commanders improve to 2-0 for first time since 2011 as Broncos’ dramatic comeback falls short

New York Times  

By David Aldridge, Ben Standig and Nick Kosmider A dramatic comeback bid by the Denver Broncos fell short on the final play of the game against the Commanders as Washington held on to clinch a 35-33 road win Sunday and improve to 2-0 for the first time in 12 years. After a combined zero yards on their prior two possessions, …

Washington’s defense takes over to help the Commanders rally past the Cardinals 20-16
1 year, 3 months ago

Washington’s defense takes over to help the Commanders rally past the Cardinals 20-16

Associated Press  

— Throughout the second half, Montez Sweat looked around at his defensive teammates and asked who was going to be the closer the Washington Commanders needed. The edge rusher strip-sacked Joshua Dobbs late in the first quarter to set up Sam Howell’s go-ahead touchdown run as the defense took over the game to help the Commanders rally to beat the …

Ron Rivera picks Sam Howell as the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback
1 year, 4 months ago

Ron Rivera picks Sam Howell as the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Coach Ron Rivera has named Sam Howell the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback, making the North Carolina product the latest in a revolving door of players at the position for the organization in recent years. “We’ve been very pleased with it to the point where I decided yesterday that we were going to name him the starter going …

Rivera clarifies his statement about Commanders players expressing concern with Bieniemy’s style
1 year, 4 months ago

Rivera clarifies his statement about Commanders players expressing concern with Bieniemy’s style

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Ron Rivera said Wednesday he spoke to Eric Bieniemy about his comments that some Washington Commanders players expressed concern over the new offensive coordinator’s coaching style, apologizing for the remarks that put him in hot water around the NFL. And I think the understanding of it is just the fact that I think everybody is making, in …

Howell gets the chance to show Rivera and new ownership he should be the Commanders’ starting QB
1 year, 4 months ago

Howell gets the chance to show Rivera and new ownership he should be the Commanders’ starting QB

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Sam Howell wanted no part of being featured in “Quarterback,” the docuseries that profiled Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota. “It’s a great opportunity for me with the position I’m in to really compete here and be the starter,” Howell said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to go out there and just show what I …

Rivera: Howell goes into spring as Commanders’ starting QB
1 year, 10 months ago

Rivera: Howell goes into spring as Commanders’ starting QB

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Sam Howell is going into offseason workouts as the Washington Commanders ' starting quarterback, coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday. “The key to that, though, is he’s going to have to earn it to keep, that’s for darn sure.” Washington drafted Howell in the fifth round last year out of North Carolina. If he earns the job to start …

Commanders’ Ron Rivera: ‘Not anointing’ Sam Howell, but it’s ‘his opportunity’
1 year, 10 months ago

Commanders’ Ron Rivera: ‘Not anointing’ Sam Howell, but it’s ‘his opportunity’

New York Times  

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera knows his way around Super Bowl media week. Engaging this year meant fielding questions about quarterback Sam Howell’s starting chances, Eric Bieniemy entering the offensive coordinator search and the team’s plans with free-agent defensive tackle Daron Payne. The Athletic spoke on the phone Wednesday afternoon with Rivera, who was at the Super Bowl site …

Commanders rookie QB Sam Howell beats Cowboys in NFL debut
1 year, 11 months ago

Commanders rookie QB Sam Howell beats Cowboys in NFL debut

Associated Press  

— Sam Howell’s first NFL pass became a touchdown, and Terry McLaurin promptly threw the ball into the stands in celebration. Howell became Washington’s first rookie quarterback to throw and run for touchdowns in the same game since Robert Griffin III in 2012 and might have put himself in the mix for the starting job next season with a team …

Aldridge: Sam Howell’s impressive debut made you look and Commanders take notice
1 year, 11 months ago

Aldridge: Sam Howell’s impressive debut made you look and Commanders take notice

New York Times  

— Weren’t we just here, in this stadium, two years ago this weekend? What a throw 💥 What a catch 💥 📺 #DALvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/yNoqoOCtO6 — Washington Commanders January 8, 2023 Do you prefer “Sudden” Sam Howell, “Slingin”’ Sam Howell or “Super” Sam Howell? I’m not buying Sam Howell hype after one … really kind of impressive … quite good, …

Commanders to start rookie Sam Howell at QB vs. Cowboys
1 year, 11 months ago

Commanders to start rookie Sam Howell at QB vs. Cowboys

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — It was never going to be Carson Wentz. Ron Rivera considered going back to Heinicke for the Washington Commanders’ season finale against the Dallas Cowboys before conversations with players and members of his coaching staff persuaded him to start Howell at quarterback instead. With Washington eliminated from playoff contention, and in the aftermath of Wentz’s three-interception loss …

Rivera won’t commit to Commanders starting QB vs. Cowboys
1 year, 11 months ago

Rivera won’t commit to Commanders starting QB vs. Cowboys

Associated Press  

Being out of playoff contention is not changing Ron Rivera’s usual pattern of when he names his starting quarterback. “We’re going to continue to evaluate, look at things,” Rivera said. “Guys, I’m not going to tell you anything about what we’re going to do until it’s time.” Their coach said the Commanders are “playing to win” after their loss to …

Commanders in playoff hunt, following typical Rivera script
2 years ago

Commanders in playoff hunt, following typical Rivera script

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! “It’s interesting because going back and looking in my past for nine seasons in one spot, we never had the same secondary, and so defensively we were always scrambling to put it together,” Rivera said. “With the way we’re playing right now and, we’re playing pretty …

Commanders draft for immediate help except for QB Sam Howell
2 years, 7 months ago

Commanders draft for immediate help except for QB Sam Howell

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Sam Howell understands he isn’t expected to start his rookie year in the NFL after the Washington Commanders stopped his slide by taking him in the fifth round of the draft Saturday. “It’s something that we like to see.” The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! “I get to go …

Commanders draft Sam Howell: UNC QB provides upside behind Carson Wentz
2 years, 7 months ago

Commanders draft Sam Howell: UNC QB provides upside behind Carson Wentz

New York Times  

NFL Draft 2022 tracker: Live blog and pick-by-pick analysis Ron Rivera told The Athletic before the NFL Scouting Combine that he expected three quarterbacks on the roster, including a rookie. That view held firm even after trading for Carson Wentz, as the Washington Commanders selected North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell with the 144th pick in the NFL Draft on Saturday. …

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