After a single game interview, the Commanders are looking more and more likely to call Sam Howell the man in Washington
LANDOVER, M.D.– Sam Howell has had possibly one of the shortest interviews to be named starters. Well, others have been more brief, but Howell only played one game in 2022 for head coach Ron Rivera to almost commit to him as the man in Washington.
We’re saying almost because he has yet to be confirmed as the starting quarterback going into next season, but with Taylor Heinicke getting ready to test the waters of free agency and Carson Wentz’s return to the team weary, Howell becomes the sole man on the roster.
Howell’s first start had its fair share of ups and downs against the red hot Cowboys who entered FedEx Field 12-4 and vying for the number one seed in the NFC. Howell and the Commanders played spoiler, winning 26-6 with word of Sam Howell’s performance travelling fast.
The rookie from North Carolina impressed with flashes of both arm talent and his ability to move and scamper around the pocket. Taylor Heinicke rendered the same thing, but Howell might be the guy to set the Commanders over the edge. Washington is looking for Sam Howell to take them to their first playoff appearance since 2020 where Heinicke put on a valiant effort against the eventual Super Bowl Champions in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but fell short. The Commanders haven’t secured a playoff win since 2005, a statistic that Howell will attempt to refute.
Against the Cowboys, Howell went 11/19 for 169 yards and a matching interception to go along with his one passing touchdown. Howell also rushed for 35 yards and a score– showing off his athletic prowess when need be.
“We’ll go into OTAs, minicamp and training camp with Sam Howell more than likely QB1, and we’ll see what happens,” Rivera said Wednesday. “It’s his opportunity. This is a challenge to him. If he comes out and does the things we believe he’s capable of he can most certainly be our guy. But we’ll find out.”
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The decision comes amongst a relatively deep yet untalented quarterback free agency class. The Commanders could look to the likes of Andy Dalton, Jacoby Brissett, and Jimmy Garoppolo, but Howell’s relatively cheap salary as a 5th-round pick makes him seem particularly attractive. Washington also has fallen in love with Howell’s traits– his ability to read the field seems to be improving, and the arm strength and mobility already exists in his arsenal.
Washington also holds the 16th pick in the NFL Draft, however our predictions have all three first round caliber quarterbacks off the board by then. There’s also better value on the board at that time, which could be used to build a team around Howell if he’s initiated as the starter.
Howell’s contract is frugally low, just to the Commanders’ liking. His $960,400 cap hit in 2023 allows the front office and Washington brass to make some important decisions around him. A third wide receiver might be on the table, especially since Howell is spoiled with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Also on the ledger could be big money coming to the defense and offensive line, both of which could complement Howell’s ability and secure him with enough tools to be successful.
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Rivera is also set to be on a warm seat throughout this year, as his record has been abysmal to say the least. Throughout his three seasons in our nation’s capital, he has failed to produce a winning record. Tough sledding coming from a coach who made a Super Bowl appearance with the Carolina Panthers in 2015. Granted he had prime Cam Newton and not fledgling NFL rookie Sam Howell, but still– he has had somewhat high expectations and has defaulted on most of them.
