It’s not easy to become friends with the person you are competing with for the same position. But the NFL is not your everyday job.
When the Washington Commanders signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett in March, he knew Washington wanted to give Sam Howell every chance to be the starting quarterback in 2023. Yet, Brissett signed with the Commanders with the promise he would at least have the chance to compete with Howell to win the job.
Brissett was coming off a season in Cleveland where he recorded the best QB rating of his career and the best QBR of his seven-year career in a season in which he attempted 50 passes for more. For his career, Brissett has played in 76 games with 48 starts.
Throughout the offseason, Howell has operated as “QB1,” meaning he has taken all of the first-team snaps. Yet, head coach Ron Rivera insists this remains a quarterback competition after Brissett’s strong finish in the offseason. However, Howell did enough to retain “QB1” status heading into training camp.
Ideally, Rivera wanted a veteran capable of starting and winning games if things didn’t go well with Howell, who could also play a mentor role. That’s not easy for most veteran quarterbacks, but Brissett isn’t most veteran quarterbacks.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy believes Brissett has been good for Howell.
“I’ve just been enjoying watching these guys work,” said Bieniemy, per Zach Selby of commanders.com. “I’ve been enjoying the way they communicate, and I’ve been enjoying…them coming to work and having questions about everything.”
While Brissett wants to start, he likes Howell and sees the same potential Washington does in the second-year quarterback.
“He’s smart, can make all the throws,” Brissett said about Howell. “Been a joy to be around. I know that makes me sound old, but he’s been good to be around, and learn from each other. Competing against each other has just been a lot of fun.”
For 2023, this is the best of both worlds for Washington. Brissett gives the Commanders the perfect fallback option to keep them in contention for a playoff berth if Howell struggles. If Howell doesn’t struggle, there’s a good chance Washington has found its quarterback of the present — and future.
