Skip to main content

Commanders' Sam Howell Inexperience Cause For Concern?

The Washington Commanders look to be going forward with second-year quarterback Sam Howell as their starter, but is that a reason for concern heading into the season?

The Washington Commanders seem to be going forward with Sam Howell as the starting quarterback. With training camp beginning soon, Howell, who has just one career start to his name, will get the chance to rubber-stamp his credentials.

But is Howell the future of the Commanders' organization? That would seem like the thinking coming out of the organization. 

However, NFL analyst Louis Riddick lists Howell's inexperience as a reason for concern for the Commanders entering the season.

"The Commanders sure do seem to be high on Howell, including new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who told me at the combine that he is very much looking forward to working with him," Riddick wrote

"If you look at the tape of his single 2022 start (vs. Dallas in Week 18), he was poised, played with good vision, showed solid movement traits inside and outside the pocket, and spread the ball all over the field. But it was just one game. I want to see a lot more before I'd declare Washington has found its future at the position."

Everything we have been hearing out of Washington thus far has been positive for Howell, who is looking to come to grips with not only being an NFL starter but also new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's scheme.

With the Commanders close to being a playoff team last season, the key pieces are there for Howell to take advantage of. Additionally, Jack Del Rio's defense, which is one of the better units in the league, will also provide a safety net of sorts for Howell in terms of not allowing huge points per game.

There is a lot of unknown about the Commanders' offense entering this season, but with the optimism and positivity flowing, many are bullish on just what can be accomplished with Howell steering the ship.

Putting all your faith in a quarterback with one career start is an interesting decision, and time will tell if the Commanders have made the right choice.


Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Adam Schultz on Twitter

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here