Terry McLaurin sounds off on Commanders’ high QB turnover

Last season, the Commanders rotated between three different quarterbacks — Sam Howell, Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz. It was the fifth consecutive season the team used three or more quarterbacks. In fact, Washington hasn’t had the same Week 1 starting quarterback in back-to-back years since Kirk Cousins in 2016 and 2017.

Despite signing free agent Jacoby Brissett during the offseason, Howell, who’s the only QB from last year still on Washington’s roster, is expected to be the team’s Week 1 starter.

The 22-year-old former fifth-round pick played in just one game as rookie in 2022 — Washington’s regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. He completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards, a touchdown and an interception (McLaurin caught three of those passes for 74 yards and the score), and he ran for 35 yards and another TD.

While not overly impressive, Howell’s performance showed head coach Ron Rivera enough to give the UNC alum an opportunity to take hold of the starting job in 2023. Through the first week of training camp, Howell appears to be making a strong impression on those around him, including McLaurin.

“I think Sam has done a great job of being a leader at such a young age, but he has a confidence about him that you can't help but to notice,” McLaurin said. “As we've gone over the course of this offseason, we've thrown together, we've gotten some reps out here. He just has a really good feel of throwing the ball down the field and that's a strength of my game. I think that's something that we're looking forward to trying to put on the field this year is taking those shots down the field, but also being consistent in underneath routes and spacing the ball out and things like that.”