Why Commanders should embrace what they have in QB Sam Howell

Howell had the best statistical game of his young career Sunday. He has gone toe-to-toe with the defending NFC champion Eagles twice this season, losing 34-31 in overtime in Philadelphia and at home Sunday, 38-31. He continues to show signs of elite potential and the ability to make big-time throws such as this one to Jamison Crowder.

Not bad for a fifth-round pick in his first season as a starter. It's also why Howell should be starting for the foreseeable future. 

With uncertainty looming surrounding the coaching staff and front office, some suggest the team should tank for D.C. native Caleb Williams — the Southern Cal star and reigning Heisman Trophy winner  —  or that a new regime should handpick its own QB. This is nonsense.

Howell has not yet proved enough to show he is "The Guy." However, he has proved enough to show that he can be that QB if he continues to improve. 

Sunday included a positive development in that regard. In previous games, Howell took too many sacks. That, however, was a non-issue against the Eagles stellar defense. Washington's offensive line played better, but Howell also made smarter decisions in the pocket and was sacked only once.

When you have a young quarterback who shows the flashes Howell has shown, you build around him. Howell is the most promising QB Washington has had since Kirk Cousins, and the way Cousins' time in D.C. unfolded should teach the Commanders they must maximize Howell until they know for sure what they have in him.

Furthermore, the NFL is seeing some of its worst quarterback play in years. The number of QBs in the league who can be considered bonafide franchise stars is probably in the single digits. Williams may or may not add his name to that list. Until he actually plays in the NFL, he's a mystery.

Howell is less of a mystery. We can't guarantee that he'll be the long-term answer at QB that Washington has yearned for for decades. We do know that the potential is there, and he has done enough to earn the opportunity to develop.

Big changes may be coming to the Commanders next season. Quarterback should not be one of them. End of discussion.