The Washington Commanders season has gone into a tailspin. They have lost six games in a row, dropping their record to 4-11 on the season. After getting out of the gates hot with a 2-0 record, they have been arguably the worst team in the NFL, going 2-11.
Some major changes are expected this offseason as the new ownership group, led by Josh Harris, is expected to clean house. A new coaching staff and front office is expected, but the people currently in those roles will play out the season.
Alas, some changes are going to be made before then. The biggest one is that Jacoby Brissett will be taking over as the team’s starting quarterback in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. He will be replacing Sam Howell according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The #Commanders are making a QB change with two games left. Following his impressive performance on Sunday, Jacoby Brissett will start against the #49ers, coach Ron Rivera is announcing.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2023
Sam Howell to the bench. pic.twitter.com/hZ1P8Rfwfl
This was a move that felt inevitable. Howell, who has started all 15 games to this point, has done some nice things this season. He was leading the league in passing yards up until a few weeks ago when things started to really unravel.
NFL News & Rumors: Sam Howell, Ron Rivera, Jacoby Brissett, Washington Commanders Updates
The fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has taken a beating this season, getting sacked 60 times and hit even more. His production has really slipped in the last few weeks, as he was benched in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams and Week 16 against the New York Jets.
Brissett replaced him in both instances and played well. Against the Rams, he completed 8-of-10 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, nearly orchestrating a huge come-from-behind victory.
Last week against the Jets, he nearly pulled off the same thing. Brissett completed 10-of-13 passes for 100 yards and one touchdown, helping the Commanders get a 28-27 lead with just under five minutes remaining in the game after trailing by as many as 20 points. He took over the offense on the team’s third offensive drive of the second half trailing 27-7.
Brissett is being thrown right into the fire as he will be facing off against a 49ers team looking to get back on track after being trounced by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. In the regular season finale, things won’t get much easier as the Commanders will host the Dallas Cowboys.
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