Commanders head coach Ron Rivera in meeting with the media Wednesday, continued to praise his developing quarterback, Sam Howell.
“This is really his (Howell’s) first year, our first year as a team, in the system. I’d like to believe that we’ve seen what the potential of it could be as we continue to grow in it. And as Sam continues to learn it, and the rest of the guys do too as well, the balance of spreading it to who needs to have it. I think that (getting the ball to the playmakers) will come even more so as things continue to develop.”
Not only was he praising Howell, Rivera also offered praise regarding his OC Eric Bieniemy.
“I think EB’s done a great job installing this offense and trying to find the ways that it works best for us. It’s not perfect yet. I don’t think it’ll ever be perfect. I don’t think there’s a perfect offense out there. I just think that as you develop and mature in it, I think it can really come together…”
With Rivera taking on extra duties (see Jack Del Rio fired), will Bieniemy, as well?
“I don’t think so. I mean, one of the things I’ve talked with the defensive coaches is that as soon as we transition off the field, we need to get together and talk about what needs to be adjusted. Then, what the ideas and thoughts can be for the next series as well. Once we get a chance to communicate all those things, then I can step back into that part of it. I will rely on the guys upstairs that have helped me with some of the other things and try and gather as much information from there.”
Of late, the Commanders have run the ball a little more. Rivera was asked if this was due to how the defense was scheming.
“I believe it is part of Eric’s evolution. I really do. I think part of it is just learning and understanding. I mean, again, people have asked me, ‘Well, why’d you keep [Howell] out there in the Dallas game?’ Well, he’s got to learn this stuff. He’s got to grow and part of it is he will take some lumps and he will make some mistakes.”
Rivera believes Howell is not only learning how to execute plays but also understanding the system.
“After the game (Dallas) in the locker room, Sam and I had a great opportunity to visit and to spend a little time, and he gets it, he understands it. I mean, it was great. I made a couple of comments, asked a couple questions, and his answers were terrific. He’s a guy that’s growing and developing and really maturing right in front of us as a football player, as a quarterback in this league.”