4 major observations from Sam Howell's performance at the Patriots in Week 9
By Dean Jones
Sam Howell's X-factor qualities
There's just something about Sam Howell. You cannot take your eyes off him when he's on the field, with his ability to conjure up magic from the pocket or on the move nothing short of mesmerizing at times.
Howell does some things that cannot be taught. His arm is live and the decision-making is improving aside from the odd blip, so it's not hard to see why some within the Washington Commanders are high on the player's long-term aspirations.
Nothing seems to rattle Howell. Even when he was on course to be the league's most sacked quarterback of all time, he never deviated from his goal and has the unique ability to move on from one play to the next without looking back with regret or a sense of accomplishment.
Other areas such as pocket manipulation, field awareness, and offensive line improvements are all leading to Howell catching the eye. Simply put, the gunslinger is starting to display X-factor qualities that all the top-level performers under center possess around the league.
Howell might not be the most flamboyant quarterback that's ever stepped onto the field, but there's more than one way to make a franchise get behind your talent. Something the Commanders are finding out with more frequency than any other Washington signal-caller in recent memory.