Commanders News: Chase Young, Dan Snyder, Sam Howell and Eric Bieniemy

Sam Howell will make-or-break Commanders season

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that Sam Howell has a lot on his plate next season. The Washington Commanders are counting on the quarterback to become a capable performer from a starting role, which is a big step up in responsibility for a former fifth-round pick with just one career start under his belt.

Howell's made a good impression throughout OTAs and has the confidence of influential figures such as Eric Bieniemy, Ron Rivera, and Terry McLaurin. There is a lot of hard work ahead, but this has to go well for the current infrastructure to stand any chance of sticking around under the new ownership consortium led by Josh Harris.

When examining the confidence levels of nine quarterbacks facing make-or-break seasons, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com placed Howell at the bottom of his list. And the respected analyst noted plenty of reasons to suggest the pressure is on in no uncertain terms.

"Credit Ron Rivera and Co. for putting their fate in the hands of a second-year pro with a single start on his résumé. [Sam] Howell certainly flashed solid skills as a game manager in that start, but it is impossible to know if the North Carolina product is going to be the guy until he plays a full slate of games. Yet, the two-time NFL Coach of the Year believes in the former fifth-rounder and is willing to give him a chance to earn the job as the long-term answer. With new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy coming over from Kansas City after helping the NFL's QB1 claim his second ring in four seasons, the pressure is on Howell to show up and show out."

- Bucky Brooks, NFL.com

Howell knows what a fantastic opportunity this is and will be giving it everything he has. Whether that's good enough is going to come with franchise-altering ramifications one way or another.