Commanders News: Jamin Davis, Curtis Samuel, Chase Young and Sam Howell

Commanders QB Sam Howell striving to belong

Perhaps the entire 2023 season's fortunes for the Washington Commanders rest on Sam Howell's shoulders. Everything else seems to be in place - especially if a revamped offensive line meets expectations - but it'll count for nothing if the former fifth-round selection cannot provide the consistency desperately needed under center.

This is a quarterback league, after all. Washington's defense should keep games close, but Ralph Vacchiano from FOX Sports highlighted the need for Howell to prove he belongs within a division loaded with high-profile quarterbacks earning major money.

"[Ron] Rivera wants more. He said the biggest thing he wants to see from [Sam] Howell this summer, "more than anything else is consistent play and growth". He will especially want to see that in the preseason games. When those start, Howell knows that a lot of people will be watching — from the sidelines to the owners box, to everyone in the D.C. area. And he knows that, in a division filled with quarterbacks on hundred-plus million-dollar contracts, he looks like the one that doesn't belong. He's just sure that he'll soon prove to everyone that he does."

- Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports

Howell shouldn't be worrying about contracts or what others around the NFC East are doing. Focusing on what he can control, getting better acclimatized to his newfound responsibilities, and developing chemistry with his primary pass-catchers is the only way he'll maximize such an outstanding opportunity.

There is a quiet confidence to Howell that players and coaches are naturally gravitating towards. Something that can hopefully play a role in producing the goods when the regular season arrives.