Commanders News: Sale update, Sam Howell, Hard Knocks and Bill Belichick
By Dean Jones
Commanders’ confidence in Sam Howell
After resisting the urge to bring in anyone other than Jacoby Brissett so far, the Washington Commanders appear to be going through with their intent to provide Sam Howell with a legitimate chance of becoming the team’s starting quarterback next season. The newly acquired veteran will fancy his chances, but it should be the second-year pro’s job to lose if everything goes according to plan.
Howell gained a lot of respect for the way he handled himself as a development project last season. When the North Carolina product finally got his shot, he took full advantage and spearheaded the Commanders to a final-game win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated highlighted the journey for Howell to get to this point on Monday. Something that indicates growing confidence from those within the building in what the signal-caller could provide with additional development.
"“For the Commanders, it was first what defensive players would tell their coaches when Howell was running the scout team, plus how the receivers would say he was throwing them open and using leverage against the defense. Then, when Wentz went on IR, and Howell became the backup, the staff got to see what he’d learned and how he’d self-correct. And then, finally, in the season finale against the Cowboys, all that those coaches had seen and heard came together to give way to the thought that Howell deserved a real shot.”"
The ball is now in Howell’s court. Brissett and the staff will be on hand to provide guidance every step of the way, but the onus is firmly on the former fifth-round selection to leave no doubt before the regular season arrives.