Commanders Still Don't Have Franchise QB Answer ... Yet
The Washington Commanders have a new name, look, soon-to-be owner and outlook, but there's still one thing they don't have ... a franchise quarterback.
The Commanders are the NFL's fifth-worst team in quarterback turnover rankings over the last decade, per CBS Sports.
The Commanders have had nine quarterbacks since the start of the 2013 season to have started at least four games for the franchise.
Washington's starting nine QBs are Kirk Cousins (56), Taylor Heinicke (24), Robert Griffin III (20), Alex Smith (16), Dwayne Haskins (13), Case Keenum (8), Colt McCoy (7), Carson Wentz (7) and Kyle Allen (4).
Likely, Sam Howell will be added to that list this season. In Howell's lone start of last season, he threw and ran for a touchdown in a 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys. A fifth-round pick in 2022, the Commanders believe Howell could be their long-term answer at QB.
Offensively in 2022, Washington ranked 24th in the NFL in points, averaging 18.9 points per game. However, hopes are high for an improvement in 2023, largely thanks to new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The Commanders also return running backs Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson and receivers Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson.
Leading the league in quarterback stability is the Chiefs with only two starting quarterbacks in 10 seasons (Mahomes, Alex Smith.) The reigning Super Bowl Champions Chiefs are favorites to again win the Lombardi Trophy with Mahomes on a 10-year lucrative contract.
Other teams with the most stable rankings have been buoyed by longtime franchise quarterbacks, like Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Matthew Stafford (Lions), Eli Manning (Giants), Derek Carr (Raiders) and Philip Rivers (Chargers).
All in all, Washington's lack of of security and dependability at quarterback has been an issue for the franchise ... but perhaps Howell is the answer to its problems.
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