What were some major observations from Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell's performance against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1?
After months of preparations and hard work, Sam Howell took the field for the first time as the Washington Commanders starting quarterback in 2023. There was one game to speak of last season - a memorable Week 18 win over the Dallas Cowboys - but those in power are giving the former fifth-round selection a legitimate chance to become their long-term option under center this season.
Howell passed every test throughout the summer and further raised expectations throughout his preseason involvement. Bringing this into a competitive setting is the next big challenge, which all started in front of a sold-out FedEx Field crowd against the Arizona Cardinals.
This occasion meant so much to so many - the first game without Dan Snyder's toxic grip on the franchise for 24 years. As for Howell, he did just enough to get over the finish line.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from Howell's performance versus the Cardinals to kick off the 2023 campaign.
Sam Howell looked comfortable early
It was evident from early on that the Washington Commanders were eager to get Sam Howell into a rhythm. Eric Bieniemy called plenty of short passes and easy completions for the signal-caller right out of the gate, which gave him the confidence needed when his play-caller opened things up later in the contest.
Even during Washington's first touchdown drive, Howell took what the defense gave him and kept his eyes downfield at all times. It might not sound like much, but this is something the Commanders sorely lacked under center for the most part last season, so the North Carolina product is already having a positive impact.
Sam Howell's turnovers
There was always going to be a level of nervousness and extra adrenaline from Sam Howell in this one. He is a player with just one career start entering an emotionally charged atmosphere with increased expectations, so anyone expecting perfection was kidding themselves.
Howell is a gunslinger who takes a lot of risks. That's probably why Eric Bieniemy kept things simple early on, but the Washington Commanders were collectively guilty of too many turnovers during their opening contest of the campaign.
The former North Carolina star threw an interception, gave up a fumble that resulted in an Arizona Cardinals touchdown, and was also involved when Antonio Gibson got accredited with a fumble of his own. This was a significant blemish on Howell's overall performance and there were a few other times when his throws could have been taken away.
In fairness to Howell, he kept swinging for the fences. That's a testament to his character, but these rash decisions need brushing up in the coming months if he wants to become the team's long-term option under center.
Howell eventually finished the game with two turnovers in total. It's still early days, but this cannot continue for much longer given the pressure on Ron Rivera's shoulders in 2023.
Sam Howell spread the wealth
Despite Terry McLaurin being available after recovering well enough from turf toe, there was a real desire from Sam Howell to get everyone involved. This is something Eric Bieniemy was renowned for during his time running the Kansas City Chiefs offense alongside Andy Reid, so expect this to continue throughout the campaign.
Logan Thomas led the way with eight carries, swiftly followed by Jahan Dotson with seven. McLaurin accumulated just four, which wasn't a great shock considering how precarious injuries like this are.
Howell seems to have decent chemistry with most of his primary playmakers. It was surprising to see Dyami Brown become almost anonymous, but aside from that it's good to see the wealth being spread.
Not relying too much on McLaurin - even though he is a genuine No. 1 option - is only going to help the Washington Commanders and Howell. There are things to refine, but Rome wasn't built in a day.
Having so much firepower around the quarterback is only going to mean good things once he gets more experience under his belt. Howell will be evaluated on a game-by-game basis, but he got the job done when it mattered most.
What comes next is undetermined. But Howell has the weapons to do significant damage if his own consistency increases.
Sam Howell has a lot of hard work ahead
After an offseason of expectation and which Sam Howell visibly grew in confidence, everyone associated with the Washington Commanders came back down to earth on Sunday. The blowout didn't arrive and from the quarterback's perspective, there is a lot of hard work ahead.
There were flashes of the dynamic traits that gave Howell the keys to the kingdom this offseason. But Eric Bieniemy and Tavita Pritchard need to iron out some serious kinks before things get tougher on the schedule over the next few weeks.
Howell held onto the football for too long on occasions, demonstrated some hesitancy on sideline throws, and had difficulty going through his progressions - although the last point was primarily down the offensive line succumbing to pressure as the contest progressed.
This isn't the end of the world for Howell. Far from it, actually.
The entire experience was probably overwhelming despite Howell's calm on the outside demeanor. He eventually finished the game with a 61.29 percent completion rate for 202 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a rushing score, which was solid if not spectacular with nerves as high as they'll be all season.
There isn't much time for Howell to make adjustments. The Commanders have a tough-looking slate over the next few games, so examining the film and getting mechanics spot on in readiness for next weekend at the Denver Broncos is the primary objective.
Could things have gone better for Howell? Of course.
However, they got the win when push came to shove.