Commanders News: Josh Harris, Dan Snyder, Sam Howell and Ron Rivera

Commanders praise Sam Howell ahead of OTAs

Sam Howell has the weight of the world on his shoulders heading into the 2023 season. The Washington Commanders have placed a substantial amount of faith in the quarterback becoming productive with additional responsibilities, but there's just no telling for sure after such a small sample size as a rookie.

Those in power seem confident and Howell has the support of his teammates. The Commanders secured an insurance policy in the form of veteran free-agent Jacoby Brissett, but the former fifth-round selection will get the first crack at stabilizing matters under center next season.

Ahead of OTAs beginning today, Howell received praise from offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy via the team's website, who's been impressed by the player's self-analysis in pursuit of further improvements.

"Sam's done a heck of a job. Sam's very professional. He's very critical of himself."

- Eric Bieniemy via Commanders.com

This was a sentiment echoed by head coach Ron Rivera, who added there was a level of confidence in Howell's ability to correct mistakes that can stand him and the Commanders in tremendous stead when the regular season arrives.

"A couple of times some things happened in practice, and you would see him fix it himself. That was always something that you look for. There is something that is not right, a quarterback will fix it. He was doing things like that probably mid to end of the season, so we felt really comfortable about it."

- Ron Rivera via Commanders.com

Business is about to pick up for Howell and the pressure is on. But considering how most wrote him off during the pre-draft process, it's an opportunity he's sure to give his absolute all.