4 Commanders on the hot seat entering Week 15 at LA Rams

Sam Howell - Commanders QB

Much like Eric Bieniemy, quarterback Sam Howell is also heading into an uncertain future. Some believe he should be given another year under different coaches and a more prolific supporting cast. Others are looking at someone like Drake Maye or Caleb Williams - two promising college prospects who could be within the Washington Commanders' reach.

Howell's done well in difficult circumstances. The protection is terrible. His wide receivers are inconsistent. The defense is giving him no help whatsoever.

While many of the Commanders seem to have checked out, Howell needs to fight with everything he has in pursuit of a prolific end to his first pro season under center. At the very least, this will provoke lengthy discussions among the new regime about whether to build around the former North Carolina gunslinger or not.

Given how many points Washington's defense is regularly conceding, one suspects Howell might have to air it out almost constantly to keep up with the Los Angeles Rams. The 2022 fifth-rounder has coped admirably in shootouts before this season, but it's hard to put wins on the board when the other side of the football is giving up 40 almost weekly.

Howell's progress won't be going unnoticed by other NFL teams either. If the Commanders decide to take a quarterback with their first or second-round picks, then solid production might lead to a tempting trade offer once Washington's decision becomes public knowledge.

High stakes, indeed.