Howell has taken almost all the first-team reps in camp, and Washington officially gave him the nod over veteran Jacoby Brissett.
“I think after the first practice against Baltimore, that was kind of the high-water mark for me in terms of having to see him show us that he is capable of doing the things that we need him to do,” Rivera said Friday. “It was a very good day. There were a lot of positive things that came out of it and watching the tape. … I kept thinking to myself, ‘That’s what I wanted to see.’”
Players were off Thursday, but Rivera met with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard, and “we all agreed,” Rivera said. Then Rivera informed Howell and Brissett early Friday about the decision.“I just feel confident enough and comfortable enough to say that Sam’s our guy,” Rivera said. “... There’s still more growth to go and he’s going to continue to get better. We believe that.
Washington’s decision to move forward with Howell early in the offseason garnered skeptics because of his minimal experience. The fifth-round pick out of North Carolina played only one game as a rookie, against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. He completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and one interception and logged an 83.0 passer rating in the win. He also rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown.
His play impressed enough that when Rivera interviewed offensive coordinator candidates early in the offseason, he informed them that Howell was the presumed starter heading into the offseason. In the draft, the Commanders declined to pick a quarterback, and in free agency, they signed Brissett, who is known for his mentorship as a backup.Throughout camp, Rivera has noted Howell’s quick decision-making at the line of scrimmage, his command in huddles, his mobility and his poise under pressure.
“There were a couple of practices that we had that were exceptional — not just his, but the team and the way everybody seemed to get it,” Rivera said.
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