Commanders QB Review: Sam Howell Struggles; Upgrade Coming in Draft?
The Washington Commanders had a quarterback battle in preseason between Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett, one that Howell would win.
Despite having just one start before the 2023 season began, then head coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Eric Biemieny went into the year with Howell.
The former North Carolina standout began the year in good fashion, notching two wins against the Arizona Cardinals (31-19) and the Denver Broncos (35-31). Things were looking up...until they weren't.
Washington would lose five of its next six games with Howell starting as he was a lamb to the slaughter. The offensive line struggled to protect him in the season's first seven games, as he was sacked 40 times.
After the 20-17 Week 9 win over the New England Patriots, the Commanders would not win another game with Howell for the year.
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Things took a turn for the worst in a 31-19 Week 11 loss to the New York Giants as Howell was picked off three times. That would start a poor run of form for the young quarterback that would see him benched in favor of Jacoby Brissett twice in two games.
Howell was taken out of the game against the Los Angeles Rams after completing just 11 of his 26 passes for 102 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Rivera stated he was trying to "protect" Howell in the aftermath.
Then, a week later against the New York Jets, Howell again struggled. He threw for just 56 yards as he completed six of his 22 passes. Howell was also intercepted twice before Brissett entered the game.
Brissett, in his two cameos, looked sharp as he completed 18 of his 23 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. He will no doubt look for opportunities elsewhere this offseason.
That week, the Commanders named Brissett as the starter and Howell's season looked to be over, but a hamstring injury to Brissett gave the young quarterback a second chance.
He did look better as he started the final two games against the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys but lost both to finish the season with a 4-13 record.
Due to the poor year, Washington has the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, with the consensus being that the organization under new ownership will be drafting a quarterback.
With USC's Caleb Williams and Drake Maye the reported targets, it appears that Howell's tenure as starter could be finished.
Overall, Howell showed some bright spots, but also showed his inexperience at times which cost the Commanders dearly. While it was his second year in the NFL, this season could be seen as Howell's rookie campaign and he didn't cover himself in glory.
It wasn't the best situation for a young quarterback to thrive in and while Howell did his best, he didn't nail down the starting position.
With Washington having such a high draft pick, a change at quarterback now seems logical.
