The life of a Washington football fan is a brutal one. Since the 2010 season, the franchise has cycled through 17 different starting quarterbacks and four different head coaches. The fanbase, and broader NFL community, are understandably skeptical about the former fifth-round sophomore quarterback with only one regular season game under his belt. Will quarterback Sam Howell exceed expectations, or will he find the same fate as his predecessors?
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Quarterback Sam Howell’s Expectations
College Background
It is public knowledge that Howell was a highly-touted NFL prospect throughout his college tenure at UNC. After his sophomore year, he was widely considered to be in the discussion for the first-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. After losing a star-studded supporting cast, including current NFL players Javonte Williams, Dyami Brown, Dazz Newsome, and Michael Carter, Howell’s passing statistics took a hit in his junior season.
Despite a disappointing year by his standards, Howell still completed 62.5% of his passes for 3,056 yards and a 24/9 TD/INT ratio. With more responsibility as the offense’s primary playmaker, Howell also rushed for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. NFL evaluators recognized the talent but criticized his propensity for taking unnecessary sacks and forcing throws into tight coverage. UNC’s (6-7) record raised concerns about his ability to elevate an offense around him. As a result, Howell fell into the Commanders’ laps with the 144th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Rookie Season
As a fifth-round selection, Howell began his NFL career behind free agent acquisition Carson Wentz and incumbent (and fan-favorite) backup Taylor Heinicke. It appeared unlikely that Howell would play any role in his first year, barring any drastic circumstances with the veterans. Detractors were quick to establish that Howell’s inability to beat out Heinicke was a bad prognostic indicator of his outlook and future development.
The 2022 preseason slate allowed Howell to gain exposure to NFL-caliber speed and scheme, albeit against almost exclusively second and third-string players. In three incomplete games, he completed 43 of 69 passes for 547 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He looked confident and composed, a great sign for any rookie passer. It is worth noting, though, that he tied Malik Willis for the most sacks taken in the preseason (nine), a testament that one of his weaknesses from college might still be present.
However, he capitalized on his one opportunity as a regular season starter on a big stage. Against Dallas in Week 18, Howell led the Commanders to a shockingly convincing win over their bitter rival. He demonstrated quick decision-making and poise under the lights. His arm strength, dual-threat ability, and deep-ball touch were on full display, leaving fans salivating over his untapped potential. Still, it was a one-game sample size in a mostly meaningless game for both teams.
Sam Howell vs Preassure so far In his career…#HTTC #Commanders pic.twitter.com/3c8NZqFhGy
— Redwolves4thQTCOMEBACK?? (@Lennyfrigginleo) August 23, 2023
Sophomore Offseason
With the release of Wentz and the free agent departure of Heinicke, Sam Howell entered the 2023 offseason as the top quarterback on the depth chart. After the Dallas game, Ron Rivera made vague, noncommittal comments about his expectations for the young quarterback. When asked if Howell had done enough to be named QB1 or even QB2, Rivera said, “Well, he’ll definitely be a QB. I can’t give you a number at this point.” (1.)
The team added Jacoby Brissett and Jake Fromm to the quarterback room this offseason, but Howell maintained his stranglehold on the job at every step of the way. He dominated the first-team reps throughout OTAs and training camp and has looked sharp by all accounts. Howell has reportedly improved both his command of the playbook and some of the footwork concerns that had previously plagued him. After joint practices with the Ravens, Baltimore cornerback Marlon Humphrey described Howell as looking “really comfortable” running the offense. (2.)
In his two preseason appearances in 2023, Sam Howell did nothing but impress. He went 9-for-12 passing with 77 yards and a touchdown in a little over a quarter against the Browns in Week 1. He only outdid himself with a 19-for-25/188 yards/2 TD performance in the first half against the Ravens. Howell demonstrated chemistry with his explosive receiving corps, completing passes to seven different receivers in one half of football.
Sam Howell on 3rd and long 👀 pic.twitter.com/FNJeGO87hO
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 22, 2023
Sam Howell’s 2023 Expectations
So, given the facts, what should fans expect to see from Sam Howell this season?
Washington is slated to face one of the most difficult schedules in the NFL this year. The NFC East will be strong again and the division is paired with the loaded AFC East. Howell’s offensive weaponry is very good, particularly at wide receiver, but the team lacks a reliable offensive line and boasts at-or-below-average running back and tight end rooms. If the O-line falters, Howell could experience some of the same problems he encountered at UNC. There is reason to exercise some patience with the young quarterback.
That being said, Howell has proven that he belongs. His athleticism and decision-making is a massive improvement over Carson Wentz. He shares some of Heinicke’s moxy and intangibles, but Howell’s arm is twice as strong. Given an entire season at the helm, it is reasonable to expect Sam Howell to emerge as a top-20 quarterback in the league. Locking in a high-level starting quarterback with a fifth-round rookie scale contract is a cheat code for building an NFL roster. It could jumpstart a bright future for this starved Washington fanbase.
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Main Photo: Geoff Burke – USA Today Sports
