Commanders receiver says QB Sam Howell 'running the show'
The Washington Commanders have a quarterback competition on their hands and it looks like the young gun currently has the upper hand. It's second year-QB Sam Howell going at it with eight-year veteran Jacoby Brissett.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera believes Brissett has been pushing Howell. Rivera also said he has seen growth in Howell.
"One of the things that we talked about last year, we talked about footwork and stuff like that, and you really see the improvement in those details," Rivera said, per Sports Illustrated. "He's got a great sense and feel for what Coach (Eric) Bieniemy wants."
Howell, a 2022 fifth-round selection out of North Carolina, started in Week 18 last season and threw for 169 yards with a passing and rushing touchdown in a 26–6 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Howell is hoping he begins the 2023 season the way 2022 ended – with him at QB1.
Standout receiver Terry McLaurin said offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy put a lot of onus on Howell to "take control of the huddle" and that Howell has risen to the occasion thus far.
"He's running the show and I think he's doing a really good job of that," McLaurin said. "He's doing a good job of communicating with us. His play on the field, the ball comes out of his hand really well. And he has a good feel of where we are so far. We're going to continue to try to build with him and give him as much confidence as possible."
While nothing is guaranteed in football and Howell will have to keep progressing to hold off Brissett, Bieniemy has been pleased with Howell and how he approaches his craft.
"Sam's done a heck of a job," Bieniemy said last week. "Sam's very professional. He's very critical of himself."
The Commanders start the season off against a beatable opponent in the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 10. There is plenty of time between now and then for Howell to develop his skills further while leaving no doubt that he is the best option at quarterback for Washington.
More must-reads: