'Pressure is On' Commanders, Sam Howell to Win in 2023
.The Washington Commanders have not finished above .500 since 2016 and have just one playoff appearance to show in that span. With Sam Howell quarterbacking the team in 2023, some outlets say it's do or die.
Bleacher Report listed Howell as one of seven second-year players who needs to prove themselves this season.
"Washington is heading into Year 4 with Rivera at the helm and has yet to finish with a winning record. The pressure is on to win, especially with an ownership change," Bleacher Report writes. "If Howell doesn't show he can win games early, he could feel the pressure from Brissett."
While the quarterback battle has been one of contention from the outside, Rivera was clear-ish that Sam Howell would be the starter this fall. He was unclear, though, how many games he'll captain.
"Again, it's one of those things that just because I said he's gonna start off as QB1 doesn't mean he's gonna finish as QB1," Rivera said of Howell earlier this month. "I like to believe though that if he goes out and does the things he's capable of, he's got a very, very good chance of doing that."
Howell started in just one game during his rookie year in 2022 and logged 169 yards, one touchdown and one interception. At North Carolina, though, Howell boasted 10,283 yards and 92 touchdowns in three seasons.
Now he's in a position to be an everyday NFL starter, but the leash is short. Not only will Howell feel pressure from Brissett if he can't win early, Rivera hinted at Howell being replaced entirely.
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