When Washington head coach Ron Rivera met with the media Saturday night to debate the Commanders’ draft class, one factor stood out in discussing new quarterback Sam Howell.
Washington, which drafted Howell at No. 144 general, now has three quarterbacks on the roster: Starter Carson Wentz, final season’s starter, Taylor Heinicke, and Howell.
In discussing Howell and the worth he offered to Washington, Rivera mentioned he additionally spoke to Wentz earlier than the Commanders drafted Howell.
I had a chance to speak with Carson earlier than we made the choose; I needed to verify he understood that that is simply all about creating a younger man extra so than anything,” Rivera mentioned.
“He’s our primary going ahead, and he simply appreciated the truth that I gave him the heads up, which I assumed was actually cool. He was truly fairly excited as a result of he simply thinks that there are a whole lot of good issues about Sam.”
Attention-grabbing. First, it’s factor Rivera known as Wentz and advised him Washington was including a quarterback and that Wentz was “excited” to work with Howell.
Nonetheless, why ought to the coach really feel the necessity to attain out to his new quarterback to tell him the staff was taking a rookie within the fifth spherical?
This shouldn’t be a giant deal. I doubt Wentz is anxious with Howell, as Rivera and Washington have finished every little thing to make him really feel comfy and needed. However everybody remembers when Wentz was upset when the Eagles chosen Jalen Hurts within the second spherical of the 2020 NFL draft.
This one is totally different. Howell was NOT a second-round choose. Whereas many believed he was as a minimum a second-round expertise, the Commanders weren’t selecting him till the worth turned too nice to disregard.
Nobody outdoors of Washington media and followers understands quarterback controversies higher. What occurs when Wentz has his first two-interception sport? Will followers clamor for Howell? We’ve seen this story many occasions by means of the years.
Finally, it shouldn’t matter. If Wentz can’t deal with Washington including a fifth-round rookie, he’s not your man anyway.