5 winners and losers from the Commanders preseason win vs. Ravens

Winner No. 2

Sam Howell - Commanders QB

Something seems to have changed within Sam Howell from a demeanor and production standpoint over the last three weeks. Everything seems to be slowing down for the quarterback after getting a baptism of fire from the formidable Washington Commanders defense throughout the preparation period, which is bringing about improved confidence and better consistency for good measure.

Howell might not have been facing the first-string Baltimore Ravens defense, but his performance was still full of high quality on ESPN's Monday Night Football. The former fifth-round selection was poised and precise, going through his progressions quickly with supreme conviction attached.

The North Carolina product also took advantage of red-zone opportunities when they arose and protected the football, which is the most important thing of all when push comes to shove. Ron Rivera stated after the game that Howell did everything expected, which is another sign that the signal-caller is coping well with increased responsibilities as Washington's confirmed QB1.

If this was Howell's last taste of action before Week 1 versus the Arizona Cardinals, he left a good impression. There is more belief in his chances of becoming a productive starter than ever before and once Eric Bieniemy opens up his playbook, it's all systems go.

If the offensive line holds up, Howell can make any team pay. Especially when one takes into account working under a dynamic play-caller in Bieniemy and the pass-catchers at his disposal.