For the second consecutive week, the Washington Commanders benched quarterback Sam Howell for veteran Jacoby Brissett.
Last week, the change occurred midway through the fourth quarter in a 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Brissett completed eight 10 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, almost leading Washington to a comeback win.
During Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, down 27-7 midway through the third quarter, head coach Ron Rivera turned back to Brissett after Howell’s final pass was intercepted. Howell had completed just six of 22 passes for 56 yards with two interceptions. On his first interception, the ball bounced off Logan Thomas’ hands. On the second, wide receiver Curtis Samuel fell down on his route.
Brissett immediately came in and led the Commanders on a scoring drive, completing a 15-yard pass to Thomas for a touchdown and trimming New York’s lead to 27-14.
It was a tough day for Howell. While he didn’t play well, there were protection issues and multiple dropped passes. However, being benched in consecutive weeks and seeing Brissett experience immediate success isn’t a good look for Howell.
The Commanders have two games remaining against the 49ers and Cowboys.