The Washington Commanders officially saw their playoff hopes evaporate after the Green Bay Packers stunned the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.
Head coach Ron Rivera didn’t even know that his team’s playoff chances could end with a Packers loss, and that moment became viral.
The Commanders fell flat in a home game against the Cleveland Browns, 24-10, in Carson Wentz‘s first start since returning from injury.
Wentz did not play well, going just 16-of-28 for 143 yards and three interceptions with zero passing scores (the lone touchdown was a rushing one by Wentz).
Now, Washington has decided to bench Wentz for the season finale.
Going to Carson Wentz last week was as much about finding out what you were going to do with him this off-season as it was getting a spark. He flopped. It was the right call and the process was good. 2023 should matter.
That same process should result in Howell starting Sunday.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) January 4, 2023
Taylor Heinicke will be re-inserted into the starting lineup for the Week 18 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
However, as Grant Paulsen points out, it should be rookie Sam Howell.
The Commanders put Wentz in to determine what their plan would be with him this offseason, and they should consider giving Howell a shot to show his worth as well.
Heinicke was named the starter, although it would make sense and it appears that Howell will get some playing time in the final game of the year.
the Sam Howell era is upon us https://t.co/1MXjohKPIY
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) January 4, 2023
Howell was selected in the fifth round of the 202 NFL Draft after an impressive career with the North Carolina Tar Heels, and he could end up showing that he is a capable starting QB in the NFL.
Heinicke played 16 games last season and played nine games this season, throwing for 1,859 yards and 12 scores, so the Commanders definitely know what they have in Heinicke.
With nothing to lose on Sunday, Howell should be given a fair shot to showcase his talents and get some real-time evaluation at the NFL level.
NEXT: The Commanders Have A Lot On The Line In Week 18