4 false narratives surrounding the Commanders in 2023

Commanders cannot rely on Sam Howell

Perhaps the biggest risk taken by the Washington Commanders this offseason was going through on their promise to give quarterback Sam Howell a starting shot. This is a feast or famine move that will result in jobs lost if things don't go according to plan, but it's something Ron Rivera genuinely believes can be the catalyst behind better fortunes.

Howell has just one start to his name and doesn't have the biggest expectations from those in the wider media. But there is a quiet sense of confidence within the Commanders that the former fifth-round selection has what it takes to get this team to the promised land.

Of course, there's just no telling for sure. Howell's up-and-down performances during early offseason workouts were a testament to how big of an adjustment this is, so it'll be interesting to witness how the signal-caller fares going up against Washington's elite defense when the pads go on at training camp.

In truth, Howell could be anything. His production at North Carolina when the weapons were around him was outstanding - something the Commanders boast in abundance in the backfield and within their explosive wide receiver room.

Much like the tight-end situation, Howell's fortunes hinge on Eric Bieniemy providing the upgrade needed from a play-calling standpoint. But saying the Commanders cannot rely on the quarterback is completely ignoring his accuracy in college and an eye-catching first start during Washington's win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18.