Pro Bowl Receiver Terry McLaurin Commends Jacoby Brissett’s Leadership Amidst Sam Howell’s Benching..
In a notable decision by Washington Commanders’ head coach Ron Rivera, quarterback Jacoby Brissett has taken over as the starter, replacing Sam Howell.
The move, officially announced on December 27, has garnered approval from Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin, shedding light on Brissett’s veteran attributes that the team has been missing during Howell’s developmental phase.
McLaurin, who earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2022, expressed admiration for Brissett’s pre-snap acumen, emphasizing the 31-year-old’s ability to discern and anticipate plays effectively.
The wide receiver also acknowledged Brissett’s skill in analyzing matchups based on the safety’s positioning, highlighting the nuanced aspects of his game acquired over years of experience.
McLaurin’s thoughtful response underscores the recognition of Brissett’s veteran qualities, suggesting that the Commanders have been lacking crucial elements while nurturing the essentially rookie Howell. Rivera’s gamble on Howell appears to have backfired, with the decision to turn to Brissett coming perhaps too late in the season.
Brissett, with nearly eight seasons in the professional league, brings invaluable experience to the quarterback position. Rivera acknowledged Brissett’s professionalism and ability to make the most of his skills, particularly in connecting with the Commanders’ top offensive talents.
This connection was evident when Brissett stepped in for Howell against the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets, producing notable performances and highlighting his proficiency in distributing the ball.
The decision to stick with Howell despite Brissett’s proven impact seems to have cost the Commanders victories against the Jets and Rams. The season’s outcome suggests that Rivera’s faith in Howell has done more harm than good.
Howell, in response to his benching, expressed a commitment to learning and development. However, Rivera’s emphasis on Howell’s continued progress raises questions, especially considering Rivera’s uncertain future as head coach. With the team reportedly eyeing a marquee quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft, Howell’s chances of retaining the starting role remain uncertain, particularly if a new coaching staff takes over.
Rivera’s history of untimely decisions regarding quarterbacks, such as the situation with Taylor Heinicke in the 2020 playoffs, has been a recurring theme. The 2021 Commanders were better positioned to support an inexperienced quarterback, and signing Carson Wentz in 2022 may have been more fitting in the previous offseason. These missteps, coupled with inconsistent quarterback choices, have contributed to Rivera’s tenure being plagued by challenges.
Even potential victories led by Brissett against the San Francisco 49ers and Cowboys may not alter the trajectory of Rivera’s tenure, as consistently being on the wrong side of the quarterback conundrum appears to have sealed the fate of the Commanders’ season.
Leave a Reply