What were some critical observations from Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell's performances during early offseason workouts in 2023?
No player on the Washington Commanders will shift the pendulum more than Sam Howell in 2023. The quarterback is getting the chance to prove he has what it takes to be a productive starting presence under center, which represents a big gamble from head coach Ron Rivera with his own job on the line.
Howell has the support of everyone within the organization, even if there is a relatively small sample size to go off with just one start as a rookie in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders are placing a tremendous amount of faith in the former fifth-round pick, who gives those in power one of the cheapest contracts to build around over the next two years if he makes the position his own.
It's been a fascinating start to the preparation period in Washington. The sale approval remains a distraction, but plenty of intriguing dynamics are already taking shape before the team descends on Ashburn for their annual training camp.
With this in mind, here are three critical observations surrounding Howell throughout early offseason workouts in 2023.
Commanders QB Sam Howell is a work in progress
First of all, such a steep transition was never going to be a bed of roses completely. Sam Howell knows this is going to be a gradual process, which was reflected in a mixed bag of throwing consistency during drills at OTAs and the Washington Commanders' mandatory minicamp.
It's also worth noting that Howell is going up against one of the league's most imposing defenses daily. This will be a trial by fire for the signal-caller and something that should make things easier when competitive action arrives.
Nothing is perfect, not yet anyway. But head coach Ron Rivera has liked what he's seen from Howell so far according to his comments via Zach Selby from the team's website.
"He's mobile, he's got good foot movement, he's got quick twitch to him, good decision maker. He is still learning to make those decisions, but he's also got the arm talent and that's the thing that excites us."Ron Rivera via Cimmanders.com
Once Howell becomes more familiar with the scheme and develops further chemistry with teammates, then the processing aspect should enhance. And the more reps accumulated by the one-time North Carolina star this summer, the better his chances will be.
Commanders QB Sam Howell has a fan in Eric Bieniemy
Sam Howell is in a pretty good situation despite the increased pressure that will arrive from the moment Josh Harris' ownership group gets their $6.05 billion purchase of the Washington Commanders approved. Not only are there an abundance of skill position players to lean on, but the quarterback also has one of the most respected minds anywhere in the NFL steering him in the right direction.
Eric Bieniemy took a calculated risk by leaving the Kansas City Chiefs for the Commanders. This was done to get full control of an offense for the first time and other important responsibilities that should boost his head coaching chances moving forward.
Bieniemy's presence has been sorely felt in practice. He's vocal, has high standards, and isn't afraid to go after even the most established players if he feels like the execution isn't right.
The assistant head coach/offensive coordinator has been tough on Howell, but it's all part of the learning experience. One that has made a fan out of Bieniemy based on his comments via USA Today Sports.
"I’m enjoying just watching him work and watching how he handles the highs and the lows because you’re gonna have some of that throughout the course of working during the offseason. Just like you would if you weren’t playing in the game. But the thing that I love about him is that he’s always staying steady. His demeanor does not change, and he’s very, very competitive. And I will say this; he autocorrects himself as well because he knows exactly what he did and what he should have done, which is a good thing."Eric Bieniemy via USA Today Sports
Howell is going to get all he can handle from Bieniemy when training camp rolls around. But the relationship seems to be blossoming and might become mutually beneficial if the pair hit it off throughout 2023.
Commanders QB Sam Howell is striving for greatness
It's been an impressive opening to early off-season workouts for Sam Howell. However, the quarterback won't be getting complacent during their brief summer break before training camp.
This is just the start of Howell's hard work. Camp is going to be a bigger test of his credentials when the pads go on and the signal-caller also faces a stern challenge during the Washington Commanders' joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens.
Howell knows the job is far from finished. He'll be studying hard in the coming weeks based on his comments via John Keim of ESPN, watching tape from Eric Bieniemy's glory days with the Kansas City Chiefs, highlighting the importance of communication, and making sure he is fully prepared to take command of the huddle at Washington's training camp.
"I feel like I’m a lot better. Once I knew we had E.B. [Bieniemy] I was watching Kansas City film and seeing what they were doing. I was able to match up my footwork. Coach EB says it all the time, to overcommunicate clarity. Just saying one more word, one more code word that means something they need to hear. Now I can talk to the guys, let them know the plays. It challenges me more as a leader and allows me to be more vocal just because of the fact we’re in the huddle and I can see everybody."Sam Howell via ESPN
Howell came in as QB1 and did nothing to dispel this notion throughout early off-season workouts. Jacoby Brissett is breathing down his neck, but all signs point to the Commanders starting the second-year-pro in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.