Sam Howell Faces Huge Offseason As Commanders QB1

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has until September to hold onto the QB 1 spot after coach Ron Rivera’s endorsement. 

Rivera recently confirmed the Commanders are ready to move forward with Sam Howell next season. He had to wait behind Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke in his rookie season, making one start.

In that start, Sam Howell went 11-for-19 and 169 yards in a surprise 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He believes he can go up a level next year under new offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy.

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“I am a big fan of his, just listening to him talk here I’m super impressed with just the man he is,” Howell said. 

“Obviously, he comes from a team that’s had a lot of success, especially on the offensive side of the ball, so I’m just excited to learn all that stuff and get started with him.”

“I’m super grateful to coach Rivera for giving me that opportunity, but really the work starts now,” Howell said. “I’ve got to take advantage of the opportunity that I do have and do everything I can to try and give this team a chance to win every single game that we play. And so really the process doesn’t change, I’ve always tried to get better, but now with this opportunity, I’ve got to take advantage of it.”

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He’ll also have to get to know the receiving corps, who are already behind him according to Terry McLaurin.

“His first start against the Cowboys was a great first step,” McLaurin said. “I don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but I think just the way he handled himself from a demeanor standpoint, the way he prepared throughout that entire week against a really good defense, and the way he handled himself even when he had adversity during the game was outstanding for a guy [making] his first start at the end of the year.

“I know he’s working really hard, where he’s training right now, to be ready for the springtime. And I know the receivers, we’re excited to get ready to help him out.”