4 major observations from Sam Howell's performance vs. the Cardinals in Week 1
By Dean Jones
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.