Washington Commanders News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Washington Commanders quarterbacks Sam Howell (14) and Jacoby Brissett (12). Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

NFL HC believes one NFC East team will start multiple QBs in 2023

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 8/2/23

The Washington Commanders' question at quarterback is likely to extend into the regular season.

An NFL head coach spoke with The Athletic's Mike Sando for his annual "NFL Quarterback Tiers" list and shared his belief that Sam Howell (ranked 28th out of 30 quarterbacks) isn't the only one that will play for Washington in 2023.

"I'll be shocked if [Jacoby] Brissett is not out there," the head coach said. "Maybe [the Commanders] see something I did not see in Sam Howell coming out."

Ron Rivera has hesitated to anoint Howell the team's starting quarterback this offseason.

In early February, Rivera told reporters, "We will go into OTAs, minicamp and training camp with Sam Howell more than likely QB1." He elaborated on that point later in the month, stressing Howell hadn't earned the starting job.

Ron Rivera on Sam Howell: “He’s not our starter. He’s coming in as QB1 and he’ll get a chance to be the starter.”

He added they’re looking to add a veteran and indicated Taylor Heinicke could be in the mix.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 28, 2023

The team later signed Brissett and in June, Rivera discussed what he openly described as a quarterback competition between the two. "It's one of those things that ... just because I said (Howell's) gonna start off as QB1 doesn't mean he's gonna finish as QB1," Rivera said.

In regard to the competition, at the start of training camp in late July, Rivera told ESPN's John Keim, "That's about as big a question as it gets ... Has Sam grown and developed enough to help us take the next step?"

Rivera's hinted all offseason that Howell's time in the starting role may be limited. It could only be a matter of time before Brissett plays meaningful snaps. It's not hard to understand why.

If Washington struggles, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the organization move on from Rivera. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is waiting in the wings for a head coaching opportunity he's more than earned the right to have.

If Howell hasn't "developed enough," Brissett is a safe option who was better than people give him credit for with the Browns last season. From Weeks 1-12 when he started in place of Deshaun Watson, his expected points added per play (0.116) ranked 11th, higher than quarterbacks including Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence. (h/t rbsdm.com)

The Commanders project to have a solid defense; their front four consisting of Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat and Chase Young might be the best in football. It's certainly in the conversation.

Running back Brian Robinson is fully healthy after suffering a gunshot wound last August. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is one of the most underappreciated receivers in the league.

He recently opened up about Washington's failure to land a franchise quarterback. If at least one NFL head coach is correct, the franchise is still looking.

More must-reads: