Former NFL coach analyzes promising signs in Sam Howell's performance

A pending change in ownership has given the Washington Commanders a reason to be optimistic off the field. One former NFL head coach believes with quarterback Sam Howell, that level of optimism could extend to the on-field product this season.

Former Rams head coach Mike Martz detailed some aspects of Howell's game for the 33rd Team and came away impressed.

He described Howell as a "physically talented quarterback" and pointed to multiple throws in tight coverages he made while in college to illustrate his point. His fast delivery, strong legs and ability to throw the ball from multiple angles were all aspects of his game Martz appreciated.

When looking at his faults, Martz saw a quarterback trying to do too much and whose gunslinger mentality got the best of him at times. Those are things Howell can learn to avoid through coaching, Martz said.

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was hired this offseason after years of success in Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes and will provide the structure Howell needs to be effective, according to Martz.

Bieniemy's track record of success is undeniable. Not only did he excel for the past five seasons as the K.C. offensive coordinator, but he was also formative at the beginning of running back Adrian Peterson's NFL career when he was his running backs coach in Minnesota from 2007-2010. Bieniemy gets results wherever he goes.

Granted, Mahomes and Peterson were both first-round picks, not Day 3 selections like Howell was in 2022, but the Commanders have Terry McLaurin, one of the more underrated receivers in football, along with fellow receivers Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel, and running backs Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. The cupboard isn't bare. Howell has viable offensive weapons around him.

The Commanders will have hit a home run if he turns out to be their long-term answer at quarterback. Washington is behind the curve in a division where every other team has stability at QB. A lot can change during the course of a season, and the Commanders might not be as far off as everyone thinks.