Sam Howell stats today: Commanders QB benched for Jacoby Brissett after brutal showing vs. Jets

Commanders quarterback Sam Howell did not see the field for the entirety of the team's 30-28 loss to the Jets on Sunday, after another rough start led to him being benched in the third quarter in favor of Jacoby Brissett. 

Howell has been benched more than once this season with Sunday marking the second occurrence after he appeared to be on an upswing as of just a few weeks ago.

Here's a look into the QB's Week 16 numbers and everything to know about the situation at hand for Howell.

MORE: Updated NFL standings, playoff picture Week 16

Sam Howell stats today

Before getting the hook from Washington coach Ron Rivera, Howell was good for a mere six completions on 22 attempts, throwing for just 56 yards with a pair of interceptions. His last throw of the game was picked off by Jets linebacker Quincy Williams, putting New York just outside of the end zone.

The Jets already had a 27-7 lead and couldn't convert on Howell's final turnover after Trevor Siemian threw a pick of his own, but the feel of the game changed completely when Brissett took over. 

The veteran drove Washington down the field for a touchdown on his first three series, the last of those giving the Commanders a stunning 28-27 lead with less than five minutes remaining. 

Siemian ultimately saved the Jets from what would have been a shocking defeat by leading a game-winning field goal drive, but Brissett's performance in relief raised more questions in Washington as he completed 10 of 13 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. Brissett finished with a 123.9 passer rating, while Howell stood at 1.7. 

Sam Howell benched

Howell also performed poorly last week in the 28-20 loss to the Rams as he connected on 11 of 26 passes for 102 yards, one touchdown with one interception before he was sent to the sideline.

Brissett finished that same game 8 of 10 passing for 124 yards and two touchdowns, leaving some to wonder if Rivera would roll with Brissett from there on out, but he decided to stick with Howell for Week 16. 

Howell, who has looked like a true franchise quarterback at multiple points in the season, seems to be maintaining a positive mindset through it all.

“I honestly don’t really look at it much,” Howell told reporters after the loss to the Rams. “It really doesn’t mean anything right now, and I think what matters is how I play each and every week. Obviously, you can worry all year long about what’s going to happen next year.

“But for me, I just kind of take the approach of taking it one week at a time and really try to focus in and do everything I can on a week-to-week basis to play my best football. Just because obviously there’s a lot of questions about what’s going to happen after this year, but I feel like if I’m playing my best football at a consistent rate, then those questions won’t be there.”

The quarterback situation in D.C. will be something to monitor moving forward if Howell can't get into a rhythm fast.

It's clear Brissett has extended his support to Howell during what's a difficult time in his career and one several quarterbacks across the league can relate to. Brissett also said he hopes Howell will "lean on" him throughout the process.

"I told him, 'Man, this is going to be the hardest part of your career right now. And it's going to feel like, man, that you're in it by yourself... but I know from being in this league, man, the good ones find a way to get to the other side."

Sam Howell 2023 stats

Here's a look at how Howell has performed in each game of the 2023 season from a statistical perspective. One of the most concerning parts of his game has been taking care of the football as he holds a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 19:17.

Sam Howell career stats

Howell was originally selected by the Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft at 145th overall. He spent that first season as a backup before being named the starting quarterback in 2023.

Here's a look at his stats from both seasons.