What were some major observations from Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell's performance at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15?
Sam Howell needs a positive finish to the 2023 season. The quarterback is currently going through the expected rollercoaster normally associated with first-time starters at football's most crucial position. What occurs over the next month has huge implications for the promising signal-caller.
The debate continues to rage about whether the Washington Commanders should build around Howell in 2024 and beyond. The pros and cons are there for all to see. But the former fifth-round pick out of North Carolina can silence his doubters by putting together some momentum-building displays with the bye week successfully navigated.
This started in Week 15 at the Los Angeles Rams, who hold out hopes of postseason football after a surprisingly good campaign under Sean McVay. As it turned out, the bye didn't do the Commanders as they fell to their 10th loss of the season.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from Howell's performance at SoFi Stadium.
Sam Howell's pocket presence
Much has been made about the offensive line in front of Sam Howell. It's been far from stellar up to now. Something that reared its head once again in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Time after time Howell was forced to get out on the move. His mobility saved him from getting sacked more. But it didn;t exactly help considering how much the signal-caller was struggling to find his rhythm.
When Howell had opportunities to step up in the pocket, he made things happen on occasion. Although consistency was an issue as the Commanders' offense found life difficult in their first game back after the bye.
Sam Howell's slow start
It was a slow start to the game from second-year quarterback Sam Howell. Perhaps the bye week added some extra rust after an extended period away from the practice field, but there was just something missing over a disappointing first half.
Howell looked hesitant in the pocket. The timing was off with his wide receivers. He was unfortunate not to throw another interception when attempting to get the football downfield during a two-minute drill.
This was not the confident Howell we'd been accustomed to seeing against high-octane offenses earlier in the campaign. There were some flashes of his impressive arm strength. Unfortunately for the Washington Commanders, these were fleeting as they went into the interval deservedly behind.
The statistics over the opening two quarters spoke for themselves. Howell's performance was shaky right out of the gate and things didn't get much better as the half progressed.
- 43.75 percent completion
- 52 passing yards
- 0 TDs
- 0 INTs
- 1 sack against
- 19 rushing yards
- 52.1 passer rating (ESPN)
Remarkably, the Commanders were only down 13-0 at the break despite their lack of offensive efficiency. This was thanks in no small part to Washington's defense. They created two turnovers and played relatively well overall versus a dynamic Los Angeles Rams attack.
Sam Howell's early exit
More than a few eyebrows were raised when Sam Howell didn't come off the sideline onto the field with around eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Washington Commanders opted to take him out of the firing line in favor of Jacoby Brissett. This sent the rumor mill ablaze on social media with no incoming injury news in the development's immediate aftermath.
Whether this had something to do with offensive linemen Tyler Larsen and Charles Leno Jr. going down through injury is up for debate. It might have been down to Howell's indifferent performance level despite improving slightly in the third quarter.
Howell threw an interception immediately before the benching. That might have been the straw that broke the camel's back on this occasion for head coach Ron Rivera. What this means for the quarterback's status over their remaining games is the million-dollar question.
In fairness to Brissett, he made an immediate impact with a touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin. Will this lead to a quarterback controversy in Washington heading into Week 16 at the New York Jets? Unlikely, but nobody could say what Rivera is thinking with any great confidence.
Brissett arguably looked a lot more fluid than Howell under center. His connection with McLaurin was immediate and impressive in equal measure. It should make for an interesting week that's for sure.
Sam Howell has work to do
The final games of the season represent the last audition for Sam Howell. He wants to be the Washington Commanders starting quarterback in 2024. Many feel like he's deserving of such a distinction. But the signal-caller is starting to rack up indifferent performances at the wrong time.
Howell improved slightly in the second half, which was encouraging. He made things happen when the pocket was clean and remained unrattled at all times despite the Commanders having to chase a heavy deficit once again.
Flashing is all well and good. That won't be enough once a new coaching regime comes into the fold. The Commanders also have a top-five selection in the 2024 NFL Draft locked in for now - something that could tempt them into taking a gifted prospect from the college ranks rather than solidifying the offensive line.
This game was a microcosm of Howell's season. When he's good, the wow moments are there for all to see. When he's bad, the North Carolina product looks like a turnover waiting to happen.
One can point to the drops. The lack of consistent protection. The often predictable schematics concepts to open games from Eric Bieniemy. One could also argue Howell isn't making the strides anticipated no matter the mitigating circumstances surrounding the gunslinger.
Getting sat down is not a good look, either.
When push comes to shove, nobody occupying prominent leadership positions within the Commanders currently will be deciding Howell's fate. And that - above all else - leaves his prospects hanging in the balance with just three games left.