Former Washington head coach Jay Gruden joined “The Chris Russell Show” on Team 980 on Monday for his weekly appearance. Gruden would review Washington’s latest game, a 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Of course, the biggest takeaway from Sunday’s game was head coach Ron Rivera benching quarterback Sam Howell midway through the fourth quarter for veteran Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett made things interesting, leading the Commanders on two touchdown drives, but it wasn’t enough, as Washington would come up short for the fifth consecutive game.
What did Gruden think of Rivera benching Howell and going to Brissett?
“That was a unique deal, but at the end of the day, I think he probably made the right choice because Jacoby came in there and played really well and moved the ball and made some big-time throws,” Gruden said per Lou DiPietro of Audacy.
“Sam wasn’t getting hit that much, so I don’t think it was to protect him; I think it was for a spark, something that they needed. I think the interception probably drove Ron a little crazy, although he did have a nice touchdown drive two drives before that, so it was weird. The way Sam’s been playing and laying it on the line for the team, I don’t know if Sam really deserved that, but, you know, when you’re trying to win a game, and you feel like your team needs a spark, then maybe Jacoby’s had a couple of good weeks of practice, and they wanted to see what he could do.”
Rivera made it clear after the game that Howell remains the starting quarterback.
Gruden, who has praised Howell throughout the season, believes that’s the right call.
“I still stick with Sam,” Gruden said. “He’s been your starter, and I hate to say that the reason why they’ve lost so many in a row is because of Sam because Sam is the reason why they’ve been close in a lot of these games. For the most part, they’ve been competitive on offense because of Sam and his ability to move and make some plays, so I think you have to go back to Sam, personally.”
The former head coach thinks the Commanders need to see more from Howell before making a decision on how to spend what is sure to be a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
As for the draft, Gruden was asked about LSU quarterback — and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. He views him as a top-five pick.
“I think athletically he’s a top-five pick,” Gruden said of Daniels. “I think I’ve seen him throw the ball enough where he’s got a good enough arm, but his escapability — he’s able to throw on the move, make things happen, and just in general run……is pretty exciting. So, I think he’s definitely top five.”
Regardless of where Washington lands in the 2024 NFL draft order, it will be up to the next general manager and coach to determine if there is a quarterback they view as worthy of selecting high.