Commanders News: Eric Bieniemy, Sam Howell, Devon Witherspoon and more
By Dean Jones
More praise for Commanders QB Sam Howell
The praise keeps coming for Sam Howell before things get serious later this year. A significant amount of faith is being placed in the quarterback by Ron Rivera, although he’ll have to earn the No. 1 job by beating out Jacoby Brissett in a genuine competition set to take place during training camp.
Howell left a notable impression in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys, which is a solid foundation from which to build. However, there’s just no telling for sure how this is going to go given his lack of experience.
The former North Carolina standout received another confidence boost from newly appointed quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard during a special feature on the team’s website. The coach seemed pleased with Howell’s mechanical development and hopes to unlock further growth in the signal-caller throughout the upcoming preparation period.
"“Even as you watch his progression from college to here, there are certain things he’s cleaned up mechanically that I think are really exciting that will only make him better from this point on. You have a guy who…is extremely competitive as he’s described in the building, but you see it on film, too. The way he runs with the football, the way that he plays…I think those are things that you can really build on.”"
Howell is a huge opportunity awaiting him in 2023. The talent was always there and the Commanders had a second-round grade on the player coming out of college, but getting off to a fast start is crucial with Brissett breathing down his neck.
Coaches and players are fully behind Howell. So what comes next is up to him.