Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Terry McLaurin, Sam Howell and Jamison Crowder

Commanders QB Sam Howell's poise

Sam Howell's confidence levels are right where they need to be ahead of Week 1. The quarterback worked exceptionally hard to win over head coach Ron Rivera this offseason, taking on board every demand laid at his feet by play-caller Eric Bieniemy and flourishing as the summer progressed.

This left the Washington Commanders with an easy decision to name Howell as their QB1. It still represents a gamble of epic proportions, but the rewards could be significant if the former fifth-round pick takes his preseason production into a competitive setting.

When discussing Howell during an appearance on Good Morning Football, wide receiver Jahan Dotson stated via Sports Illustrated that his signal-caller's poise under extreme pressure is something that truly sets him apart. Something that's given his bandwagon another major cheerleader in the Penn State product.

"A silent killer, that's what I call him. He doesn't say much, but he's going to go out there [and] he's going to ball. One thing I always say about him is he never looks fazed. That's something you want to have in a guy who's leading your offense, someone who steps in the huddle and is ready for war every single play. Nothing fazes him. He always looks poised."

- Jahan Dotson via Sports Illustrated

Momentum is clearly building around Howell. Sunday's electric atmosphere will be another big challenge for the player, but he's taken everything in his stride so far and hopefully, this is a trend that can continue long into the future.