4 bold predictions for the Commanders vs. Ravens in Preseason Week 2
By Dean Jones
Commanders QB Sam Howell scores 10 points on 2 drives
After an offseason of steady progress before eventually flourishing down the training camp stretch, the Washington Commanders are officially moving forward with Sam Howell as their starting quarterback in 2023. This has been almost a foregone conclusion ever since Ron Rivera opted not to make a big splash at the position, but the head coach made his guy earn the right to call himself QB1 rather than just handing him the keys to the kingdom.
Howell will start on Monday Night Football, but how long he'll be on the field is undecided. Much will depend on whether the former fifth-round selection can get into a rhythm and if the Commanders manage to put points on the board during his time under center.
There's no point risking Howell for too long in a meaningless game. It's also important to get more game-day reps into the signal-caller considering he's got just one career NFL start under his belt.
Rivera and his offensive staff will have a plan for Howell. But this does look like an opportunity to build confidence against a Baltimore Ravens secondary that's missing multiple key figures through injury.
If Howell can muster 10 points from two drives before giving way to Jacoby Brissett, that's the perfect scenario for the player and the Commanders. Something that would probably indicate he gets the night off for their preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.