3 critical observations from Sam Howell's preseason performance at the Browns

Pleasing first outing for Sam Howell

It wasn't perfect. Nobody expected it to be.

But as first preseason games go, this was a pretty decent one for Sam Howell in the grand scheme of things.

Howell was accurate, took advantage of opportunities when they arose, and coped well with collapsing pockets impressively. There's a long way to go before further confidence in his chances of becoming a franchise-changing quarterback emerges, but the Washington Commanders couldn't have asked for anything more.

This was a sentiment echoed by head coach Ron Rivera, who was clearly pleased with Howell's production based on his comments via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

"Very encouraged. A lot of good things. I thought, again, he threw some really good balls. I thought the decision-making was what you want. He looked to have command of things, and it was good to see him get into a rhythm."

- Ron Rivera via Washington Post

This is a great opening for Howell and one he can build upon. There are two more preseason games to navigate before the Commanders take the field in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, but the signal-caller did nothing to suggest he isn't more than capable of providing the consistency improvements needed.

One must also take into account adverse weather conditions that descended on the Cleveland Browns Stadium before and during the clash. Something that makes Howell's performance all the more impressive.