4 critical observations from Commanders 2023 training camp Day 8
By Dean Jones
Commanders QB Sam Howell in the groove
After a frantic week with the pads on, things were probably moving a lot slower for Sam Howell on Thursday. Of course, the Washington Commanders' formidable defense was still looking to make things difficult, but the quarterback got more time to work and rarely went up against the first string as Ron Rivera took the heat off his signal-caller.
This clearly relaxed Howell, who showcased his improved mechanics and arm talent to great effect according to those in attendance. The former fifth-round selection delivered notable highlights to Brian Robinson Jr., Jahan Dotson, and Dyami Brown, which was a good confidence boost even if things were quite going at full pace.
Howell is a laid-back character that's taken everything in his stride throughout an offseason where expectations increased exponentially. This session might seem inconsequential compared to others, but it's a big step in the right direction for the one-time North Carolina stud nonetheless.
There is no time for Howell to get complacent. Pads are going back on tomorrow and Eric Bieniemy's high standards are relentless - something that's reflected in the gunslinger feeling the heat from a conditioning standpoint late in recent practices.
That's not a great concern, to be honest. Howell knows being pushed at this juncture is going to help when competitive games begin, and having one day to air it out a little more without fear of many repercussions keeps the enthusiasm alive if nothing else.