What were some major observations from Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell's performance at the New York Jets in Week 16?
Sam Howell's benching in Week 15 at the Los Angeles Rams meant the pressure was on to put together a better performance at the New York Jets. Time is running out for the quarterback to convince the new regime - whoever they might be - that he's worthy of getting another year under center. Nothing less than a profitable final three games will do.
The Jets posed another significant challenge for Howell. While their offense hasn't exactly set the world alight without injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the defense continues to catch the eye. Specifically, the potent secondary led by All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.
A big effort was needed from Howell to counteract this supreme threat. As it turned out, it was another horror show. Another benching. Another cloud descended.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from Howell's performance at MetLife Stadium in Week 16.
Sam Howell was let down immediately
It was important for Sam Howell to begin the game well. To say this failed to materialize would be an understatement of epic proportions.
Howell was let down by his teammates early. A dropped screen pass to Curtis Samuel was just the start. This was swiftly followed by Logan Thomas failing to bring in an easy reception, leading to a New York Jets interception.
It was all part of a cataclysmic five-minute period from the Washington Commanders to open the game that saw them down 17-0 before the contest barely started. Howell wasn't without blame, but the lack of execution from his pass-catchers was a joke, in all honesty.
Sam Howell's disastrous first half
We spoke throughout the week about the strength of the New York Jets' pass defense. This is an exceptional unit with playmakers everywhere you look. Couple this with a stout defensive front going up against a woeful Washington Commanders offensive line missing two starters, it wasn't hard to see where the problems could arise.
The offense was nothing short of woeful in the first half. Washington was inept in all three phases. Sam Howell's opening two quarters can be best described as a catastrophe.
He was running for his life on almost every drop back. There was no consistent separation being generated by his wide receivers. Howell's timing was often off. He looked more rattled than almost at any stage during the season.
Unfortunately for Howell and the Commanders, this was reflected in the statistics. A glaring indication of how disjointed everything appeared from a team that has officially downed tools for their head coach Ron Rivera.
- 29.41% completion
- 51 passing yards
- 0 TDs
- 1 INT
- 1 sack against
- 15.1 passer rating (ESPN)
Things couldn't have gotten much worse for Howell. But with the leash getting shorter after last week's benching, attention turned to whether he'd survive another sit-down in the second half.
Sam Howell's confidence
Everything looked so promising for Sam Howell once upon a time. But everyone has their breaking point.
Howell's confidence has been knocked significantly looking at the way things have unfolded in recent weeks. It showed no signs of getting better in Week 16 at the New York Jets. One could even say it's been demoralized past the point of no return - for 2023, at least.
The hesitancy Howell displayed under center is a new, concerning development. The signal-caller always looked fearless under center - even during his rookie debut in Week 18 of the 2022 season versus the Dallas Cowboys. Now, it seems like he doesn't trust anything around him.
That is completely understandable given the lack of quality or effort from others. Howell was trying to force the issue as best he could. It was evident from some way out that his teammates weren't willing to match this level of commitment.
One of Howell's biggest strengths throughout the season has been the ability to shake off bad plays quickly. That's hard to accomplish when you're constantly under pressure and unable to connect with pass-catchers. Although it would be remiss not to point out again how much he was let down on occasion.
Mitigating circumstances aside, it wasn't good enough from Howell or the Commanders. Something unlikely to go unnoticed by a new coaching regime once they start examining the film.
It might be over for Sam Howell
After throwing his second interception in the third quarter, Sam Howell was benched for a second time in consecutive weeks. With that came another body blow to the player's hopes of getting another year under center.
It didn't click for Howell. Once Jacoby Brissett came in, another touchdown quickly followed. That's a damning indictment of the waning belief in the quarterback from those in the building.
We've seen this on countless occasions throughout Ron Rivera's head coaching tenure and way beyond that where the Commanders are concerned. A young quarterback begins with promise. He quickly tails off. The cord gets cut and the player is cast aside without much remorse attached.
Just what the point in sitting Howell over the remaining two games is remains to be seen. It's something Rivera will contemplate - especially with his personal preference for instability at the position. But the last few weeks have been one hit after another after the head coach boldly claimed the franchise had finally found its franchise QB1 just a few weeks ago.
Nobody will be surprised if Brissett is under center next weekend against the San Francisco 49ers. That defense is ruthless and Howell will have a tough time. Rivera might decide a more experienced presence gives them a better chance to win.
What a sad turn of events for all involved. Howell most of all.