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3 areas Commanders’ Sam Howell needs to improve after preseason

By Jerry Trotta

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders attempts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders attempts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Commanders finished 0-3 in preseason, but fans were left with plenty of positives. Brian Robinson was shaping up to be the team’s preseason darling (and he probably still is) before his unfortunate accident, leaving fifth-round pick Sam Howell as the unquestioned star of Commanders preseason.

In three games (one start), Howell finished 43-of-69 for 547 yards and one touchdown and interception apiece. His 547 yards were the most of any quarterback this preseason, and he added 94 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.

For what it’s worth, Howell could’ve finished with three passing touchdowns, but his receivers (looking at you, Dyami Brown) let him down in crucial moments.

Simply put, Washington couldn’t have asked for much more from the rookie gunslinger this preseason. Howell showed he probably has the highest ceiling in the Commanders’ quarterback room, but he still has to refine some key areas of his game before we can definitively say he is starting material.

3 areas Commanders QB Sam Howell needs to improve

(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. Falling in love with the deep ball

Howell’s deep ball is the prettiest of this year’s QB class. He showed it off several times during training camp and his touch has fans buzzing.

With that said, Howell got a little too deep-ball-happy for our liking, especially in the first two preseason games. In Weeks 1 and 2, the former UNC starter completed one of seven attempts of 20 or more air yards for 22 yards.

In Week 3, Howell connected on two of his five attempts of 20 or more air yards … and it could’ve been three of 5 had Brown, his former top target in Chapel Hill, hauled in what would’ve (or should’ve) been a walk-in touchdown.

We love Howell’s confidence, but he has to realize this isn’t the ACC anymore. The talent of defensive backs has increased ten-fold, to say the least, and very few quarterbacks complete deep passes at an efficient clip.

Yes, Howell has the arm strength to make it happen, but we’d much rather see him improve his intermediate efficiency instead of taking consistent shots downfield.

We already knew his throwing power is elite and his biggest knock coming out of college was his footwork, placement and timing.

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