Commanders News: Contracts, Sam Howell, Eric Bieniemy and Brian Davis

Commanders QB Sam Howell's growth

Another pivotal dynamic for the Washington Commanders and their quest for playoff football next season centers on Sam Howell's growth. The quarterback is getting a crash course from the coaching staff this offseason en route to hopefully starting in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, which promises to be an electrifying atmosphere with Dan Snyder's dark cloud no longer a problem.

Howell and Eric Bieniemy have hit it off immediately, which is promising. The play-caller is coaching him hard as expected, but it's a method that demands respect given how much Patrick Mahomes progressed under his guidance on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Bieniemy had nothing but good things to say about Howell on Thursday via Pro Football Talk. Perhaps the most encouraging revelation was the former fifth-round pick's poise and competitive edge coming to the fore throughout early off-season workouts.

"More than anything, I’m enjoying just watching him work and watching how he handles the highs and the lows — because you’re going to have some of that throughout the course of working during the offseason, just like you would if you were playing during the game. But the thing that I love about him is that he’s always staying steady. His demeanor does not change and he’s very, very competitive. And I will say this — he autocorrects himself as well, because he knows exactly what he did and what he should have done, which is a good thing."

- Eric Bieniemy via Pro Football Talk

There have been some errors here and there, which isn't uncommon. Aside from that, Howell has definitely made a good start to repay the faith shown by the Commanders this offseason.