4 key Sam Howell observations at the Commanders' 2023 midseason point

What are some key observations from Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell's performances over the first half of 2023?

After speculation to the contrary throughout the offseason, the Washington Commanders opted to move forward with Sam Howell as the team's starting quarterback in 2023. A move that many thought head coach Ron Rivera was betting his job on as Josh Harris' ownership group got set to enter the fray.

Howell had the full support of Rivera and was made to earn the gig during camp. Jacoby Brissett pushed him hard on and off the field, but it was clear from some way out who the particular winner of this quarterback battle was going to be.

The former fifth-round selection's gone through some expected growing pains, but there's been far more good than bad. Eric Bieniemy's presence as Washington's play-caller also seems to be helping the signal-caller enormously.

With this in mind, here are four key observations from Howell's performances at the 2023 midseason point.

Sam Howell is a gunslinger

Not since the days of Robert Griffin III have the Washington Commanders had such an exciting quarterback. Sam Howell makes mistakes - that's the nature of the beast when deadline with inexperienced players - but he keeps swinging and brings a gunslinging mentality that's been sorely lacking.

Eric Bieniemy has tasked Howell with significant responsibilities within a pass-heavy scheme. This hasn't exactly been ideal given how the offensive line's struggled to provide the consistency needed, but the North Carolina product is doing a good job at bouncing back from adversity to keep the chains moving.

The better the opposition, the better Howell performs. That's the hallmark of every great gunslinger around the league.

Sam Howell's pocket awareness

There were times earlier in the season when Sam Howell looked like a rabbit in the headlights. The Washington Commanders' offensive line was nothing short of abysmal until head coach Ron Rivera finally made changes before Week 8, which had the signal-caller taking sacks at a historic rate and running for his life on almost every down.

Howell wasn't without blame, either. The signal-caller held onto the football for too long, failed to recognize pressure effectively, and had a hard time navigating the pocket with any conviction whether oncoming rushers reached the backfield or not.

Again, this isn't uncommon for an inexperienced quarterback. But there's been notable growth from Howell in this regard - especially over the last three weeks.

Some slight tweaks from a schematic standpoint came with Howell disturbing the football with greater consistency attached. It was all about play-caller Eric Bieniemy building up the quarterback gradually, which has increased confidence and poise in the pocket along the way.

Howell is benefitting from more stable protection following the introduction of Chris Paul and Tyler Larsen into the starting lineup. But he can go through progressions quickly and take what the defense gives him with far more efficiency than he managed to accomplish earlier in the campaign.

Another sign of the player's growth. Even if the Commanders are currently one game below .500 and two off the NFC wildcard spots.

Commanders always have a chance with Sam Howell

Starting slowly has been a thorn in the Washington Commanders' side more often than not in 2023. This has piled additional pressure on quarterback Sam Howell and forced offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy into abandoning the run often in pursuit of keeping his team in games.

This is a challenge Howell's taken on with his customary determination and flawless demeanor. It doesn't matter if the Commanders are five or 15 points behind, they always seem to have a chance with the ex-Tar Heel under center.

Howell can move the football downfield quickly. His arm is live and his decision-making has also enhanced considerably in recent weeks, although cutting out costly turnovers is the next step in the player's ongoing development to avoid any unnecessary complications.

On countless occasions this season, Howell's brought the Commanders back from the brink. Sometimes that's not possible - such as the Thursday Night Football debacle against the Chicago Bears - but the quarterback is always fighting and never gets too flustered whether things are going well or not.

This is a sign of consistent growth and in keeping with what we see from the high-end players at the position league-wide. There's a long way to go for Howell, but he's making full use of the weapons at his disposal and seems to have flourished over the last fortnight with better protection from the offensive line.

Sam Howell might be the guy

It's been a painstaking search to find a true franchise quarterback. Kirk Cousins was the last to hold such a distinction before his departure to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency as a constant stream of failed personnel moves from head coach Ron Rivera at football's most important position held the team back.

Now, things have changed.

There is a growing belief that the Washington Commanders have found their guy. Sam Howell is demonstrating all the qualities normally associated with long-term quarterback options, ranking second in passing yards through nine weeks and coming up with more big-time throws than anybody according to Pro Football Focus.

This is an uncertain time for the Commanders as Josh Harris' ownership group begins to stamp their mark on the football side of things. Fresh blood comes with fresh ideas, which could leave Howell on the outside looking in if a new coaching regime and general manager come into the fold.

That said, Harris is watching these games live. He can see the growth Howell's making with every passing week, which is also bringing long-term recommendations from influential figures such as Rivera and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to further raise confidence.

It won't be going unnoticed by Harris, Magic Johnson, and others within Washington's ownership structure. There is a lot of football left and some exceptional defenses upcoming over the second half of 2023, but it does appear as if the Commanders might have their man at the midseason point.