Commanders News: Eric Bieniemy, Terry McLaurin, Rachad Wildgoose and QB battle

Commanders QB battle 'one to watch'

All signs point to Sam Howell being the starting quarterback in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals unless something drastic occurs during the summer. Confidence is growing within the building, but head coach Ron Rivera has been quick to maintain there will be a genuine competition between the former fifth-round pick and Jacoby Brissett before something official is announced.

The Washington Commanders feel like this is the best route forward, which is understandable. Howell has the upside and looked the part during his only rookie start, but Brissett also performed well last season and is more than capable of pushing the North Carolina product throughout the team's training camp.

While many believe this to be a foregone conclusion, it isn't a sentiment echoed by Michael Gallagher of Yardbarker. The writer named the quarterback battle between Howell and Brissett one to watch in the coming weeks, claiming that it might be closer than many people expect.

"Despite all of the reports coming out of Commanders camp that Howell is the unquestioned No. 1 guy, I’m just not buying it until I have tangible proof that he, in fact, gives Washington a chance to be more competitive than Brissett, a seven-year veteran with 48 starts under his belt. Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has liked what he’s seen from Howell during OTAs and minicamp in terms of mobility and decision making, while his teammates have noticed a better command of the offense and understanding of the playbook. Howell may be the real deal, but Brissett will push him during training camp."

- Michael Gallagher, Yardbarker

Howell represents the best-case scenario for the Commanders. But those in power were right to bring in an accomplished insurance policy in the event things don't quite go according to plan.