Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Ron Rivera 'very encouraged' by QB Sam Howell's preseason opener

By Trevor Woods | Last updated 8/12/23

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is entering his second year in the NFL. And after starting just one game as a rookie, Howell's in line to start Week 1 and beyond for the Commanders this season. Howell aided those chances with a good performance in Washington's preseason opener.

Howell played over a quarter in Washington's 17-15 win over the Cleveland Browns and was 9-for-12 for 77 yards with one touchdown. Head coach Ron Rivera walked away from the game happy with Howell's showing.

"Very encouraged. A lot of good things,” Rivera said. “I thought, again, he threw some really good balls. I thought the decision-making was what you want. He looked to have command of things, and it was good to see him get into a rhythm.”

Sam Howell finds Jahan Dotson to give the #Commanders the lead!

Could a connection be brewing?
pic.twitter.com/lhhmekbCZQ
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) August 12, 2023

After the game, Howell evaluated his play. Howell thought he was "solid" and the offense "put some good things on film.”

"I went into the game with a lot of confidence and I think my comfortability showed tonight," Howell said.

Howell was a great collegiate quarterback at North Carolina who displayed a lot of arm strength and athletic ability. The 6-foot-1 QB is a dual-threat option and rushed for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021. Howell was then drafted by Washington in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and went on start the final game of the '22 season, going 11-of-19 passes for 169 yards with a passing and rushing touchdown in a 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Washington decided to bring in veteran Jacoby Brissett this offseason to compete for the starting job, but the odds seem to be in Howell's favor moving forward. Brissett had a lackluster night going 6-for-10 for 75 yards and an interception.

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