Fans are questioning Ron Rivera after the Washington Commanders’ coach shared his thoughts on quarterback Sam Howell.
Howell came into the NFL with a lot of promise, especially after throwing 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions for North Carolina in 2019. He even led them to the Orange Bowl and became one of the top passers in ACC history the next year.
Yet, despite this impressive track record, Rivera seemed unaware of Howell’s capabilities, especially since the Commanders didn’t reach the playoffs in 2022.
In a chat with Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated, Rivera expressed regret for not playing Howell earlier. He mentioned, “You can ask [my wife] Stephanie, all we F-inf talked about was the quarterback, what the quarterback did, who he was,” Rivera said. “I kept saying, ‘F, if I would have known this, I would have played him sooner.’”
Fans didn’t hold back their criticism, as seen in this:
Most fans said to play Howell. He ain’t listen. He will have a Mahomes 2018 type season for sure
— Preme 🌟 (@RealTyMandela) August 28, 2023
He probably shouldn’t have said this out loud.
— Sanaynay (@Sanaynay9) August 28, 2023
Not a great look..
— Fantasy in the A.M. (@FantasyintheAM) August 28, 2023
He just signed his walking papers after the season.
— CLew 🏈🏀⚾️🥊 (@droppedballspod) August 28, 2023
Ron Rivera shouldn’t be coaching in the NFL anymore if we’re being honest.
— kobe (@BufordKobe5) August 28, 2023
He should be fired for this. How don’t you know as a HC?
— Silvio (@SilJD22) August 28, 2023
Wow. Sounds like a great way to get fired.
— Kev Nivek (@kevnivek_) August 28, 2023
The Head Coach isnt aware of how good a QB is on his own team? Kind of an indictment on him.
— James Moore 🇺🇲 (@JimMooreUSA) August 28, 2023
Last season, Rivera chose to play experienced quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke. Howell finally got his chance on January 8, and he showed his skills against the Dallas Cowboys, achieving 169 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception, resulting in a 26-6 win.
Reflecting on that game, Rivera said, “Given the limited time he had, it’s tough. But that performance convinced me to give him more opportunities.”
As the 2023 season approaches, Howell is set to be the team’s main quarterback. It seems Rivera has finally seen the light.