NEW DELHI: As the
Washington Commanders
head into their Week 18 matchup against the
Dallas Cowboys
, head coach
Ron Rivera
is gearing up to make a crucial decision about the
starting quarterback
for the game. Facing a seven-game losing streak and with the team’s record at 4-12, Rivera acknowledges that this decision could mark the end of his tenure as the Commanders’ head coach.
Rivera, who took over as head coach on January 2, 2020, expressed his appreciation for his time with the franchise, but the uncertain future looms large.
The focus for now remains on preparing for the upcoming game against the Cowboys, with Rivera set to announce the starting quarterback on Wednesday.
In Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers,
Jacoby Brissett
was initially named the starter, but a hamstring injury led to
Sam Howell
getting the nod on game day. The Commanders are looking to rebound from a 45-10 defeat to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day, and the outcome of this game could determine the
NFC East division title
.
Howell, who made his first career start against the Cowboys in Week 18 last season, played a key role in leading the Commanders to a 26-6 victory.
However, his performance this season has been marked by challenges, including 20 touchdowns, a league-worst 19 interceptions, and being sacked a league-high 61 times.
On the other hand, Brissett, with three touchdowns and no interceptions, has shown efficiency in limited appearances, completing 18 of 23 pass attempts this season. As Rivera faces this critical decision, the Week 18 game not only holds significance for the team’s performance but could also shape the coaching landscape for the Commanders in the seasons to come.
(With Reuters inputs)
