Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has sent mixed messages about the quarterback position heading into 2023. There has been the Sam Howell is “QB1” talk to Howell is not the starter but will compete for the job.
Rivera did make it clear there would be no grand pursuit of a star quarterback this offseason. That meant no Aaron Rodgers and no Lamar Jackson. Rivera and Washington wanted a stable veteran who could run the offense, push Howell while mentoring the second-year passer and win games if Howell falters.
While finding that type of veteran sounded difficult, the Commanders had options they liked. One was bringing back Taylor Heinicke. However, Heinicke took a better offer from the Falcons. Then there was Andy Dalton, who signed with the Panthers. Finally, there is Jacoby Brissett. No one knows who was No. 1 on Washington’s list, but the Commanders clearly loved Brissett.
On Thursday, Brissett met with the media and answered several questions. One question he didn’t give a definitive answer to was his role in 2023. Brissett didn’t say, “I am here to be Howell’s backup.” Nor did he say, “I am QB1.”
Here’s what he did say:
“Every day in this league is competition,” Brissett said. “We wouldn’t be in this profession if we didn’t compete every day. And that’s what I was told, you come in and do your job and compete and then whatever happens, happens. But the main thing is to come in and be a good teammate. That’s what I think I’ve carried with me throughout my career.”
Can Brissett compete with Howell and also be a mentor?
“I think being a good teammate will trump anything; that’s been the case no matter my role throughout my career.”
Brissett also praised Washington’s skill players and having the opportunity to play for new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
Brissett said all of the right things Thursday. He is not going to roll over for Howell. Howell must win the job. That’s exactly the type of player Washington needed under center for 2023 because if Howell can’t win the job, he’s not your guy. And if Howell does win the job, Brissett, like Heinicke before him, will be an outstanding mentor for Howell.