What were some major observations from Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howel's performance against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17?
After one of his more turbulent weeks, Sam Howell ended up starting for the Washington Commanders in Week 17. Jacoby Brissett - who was named the new No. 1 on Wednesday - tweaked his hamstring and wasn't risked. This forced Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy back to the former fifth-round selection after all but writing him off.
Howell was entering the last chance saloon, to a certain extent. Any further failings weren't going to be well received by any prospective head coach or general manager combination. Therefore, making the best out of an indifferent situation against a ferocious San Francisco 49ers defense was essential.
It was almost a career-defining moment for Howell. As it turned out, the Commanders were unable to pull off one of the league's biggest upsets of the season. It was also another indifferent outing from the second-year-pro.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from Howell's performance versus the Niners at FedEx Field.
Sam Howell's body language
One of the interesting things to monitor early was Sam Howell's body language under center. It would have been easy for the signal-caller to sulk after a rough week that saw him benched before Jacoby Brissett's unfortunate injury. Instead, he seemed full of resolve and determined to right some wrongs in the face of exceptional opposition.
This was a testament to Howell's overall character. It's not been easy - especially lately. But his steely will was enough to not only take the field with the same mindset but also rise to the occasion right out of the gate to keep the Washington Commanders competitive.
Sam Howell's impressive first half
Things could have gone either way for Sam Howell over the opening exchanges. The San Francisco 49ers looked eager to put this game out of sight early, leaning heavily on their stout defensive front and running back Christian McCaffrey. After the Washington Commanders weathered the storm, they managed to slowly claw their way back into the contest.
Howell had a huge part in the team's resurgence. He was ably supported by a decent running game and more balanced play-calling. When the time came for the signal-caller to deliver the goods, he made big-time throws count.
His deep connection to Terry McLaurin was the undoubted highlight, as was his touchdown throw to the same player. This was more like the Howell we'd become accustomed to seeing earlier in the campaign. Something that was further reflected by his impressive first-half statistics.
- 69.23 percent completion
- 100 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 0 interceptions
- 0 sacks against
- 117.5 passer rating (ESPN)
This would have been a tremendous confidence boost for Howell after having it knocked significantly in recent days. The Commanders were only down three at the interval thanks in no small part to his poise under center. After how his last few starts unfolded, anything positive was a bonus in the face of a potential Super Bowl winner.
Sam Howell's costly mistakes
Just when everything was going so well for Sam Howell, two costly errors in quick succession turned it around almost in the blink of an eye. Two interceptions when the Washington Commanders were trying to find a way back into the contest did nothing to improve his chances beyond the season.
Howell's first pick came after there appeared to be some timing issues between the signal-caller and wide receiver Terry McLaurin. It was hard to tell who was most at fault. It also came with the Commanders in touching distance of another touchdown that could have given them a fighting chance.
The second pick was entirely on Howell. There was a lack of conviction. This led to hesitancy in getting it out. By the time he got rid of the football, it was too late.
This has been the story of Howell's second half of 2023. The highs are jaw-dropping. But the mistakes in terms of accuracy and decision-making haven't improved since Week 1. That might be the most damning indictment of all when it's time to discuss his future under a new regime.
It's extremely unfortunate. Howell seems to be taking one step forward and two steps back right now. Whether it'll lead to Ron Rivera starting Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys with someone else for his last game as head coach is the big question.
Sam Howell deserves to see it out
There is one game remaining. The Washington Commanders might have lost as expected against the San Francisco 49ers, but Sam Howell deserves to see this thing through before heading into an offseason of uncertainty.
What comes after that for almost everyone within the franchise is debatable. But what's the point in throwing Jacoby Brissett into the mix for one meaningless game? After all, he's a proven veteran performer who'll be leaving for another destination in free agency.
Ron Rivera doesn't need to get too cute, although nothing can be dismissed where his suspect quarterback management is concerned. Howell flashed moments of brilliance throughout the contest. It wasn't perfect, but nobody expected it to be considering the opponent.
It wasn't the result Howell wanted, but held his head high despite more costly turnovers. That in itself can be considered as a personal achievement.
Just ride out the final game with Howell. He's earned that much after everything the player has sacrificed in less-than-favorable circumstances with a lame-duck head coach during his first season as a starter.
It might not change his fate with the Commanders - especially after his poor second half. But it could increase interest from elsewhere if he's made available at some stage during the offseason.