Sam Howell’s stock has taken a hit as a result of his past few games, and his latest performance against the Los Angeles Rams led to him being benched and replaced by backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Howell’s benching was not random, nor was it a case of Rivera protecting his quarterback, as we know Rivera’s word is as good as - well, it isn’t good. Rivera did not pull Howell to protect him from the Rams' pass rush, despite him doubling down in Monday’s press conference.
Against the Rams, Howell struggled to process what he was seeing from the Rams before and after the snap, which is the most significant factor leading to him being benched for Brissett.