Commanders News: Sale bump, Sam Howell, Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin
By Dean Jones
Commanders QB Sam Howell not 'playoff-caliber'
Ron Rivera is likely betting his job on Sam Howell becoming a productive NFL starting quarterback. The head coach seems intent on giving the former fifth-round selection every chance to firmly establish himself, with the Washington Commanders failing to pursue top free agents, refusing to enter the Lamar Jackson sweepstakes, and ignoring prospects such as Will Levis and Hendon Hooker when they began sliding during the 2023 NFL Draft.
That is a significant leap of faith considering Howell has just one start under his belt. But there's a chance sitting the player for almost his entire rookie campaign can reap huge rewards this time around.
This is not the opinion shared by everyone. During a recent appearance on 106.7 The Fan with Lynnell Willingham via the Commanders Wire, ESPN's draft analyst Matt Miller - who compared Howell to Colt McCoy during his evaluations - stated he does not see a playoff-caliber presence under center in the North Carolina product, even if many want to believe the possibility heading into his sophomore campaign.
"I do not see him as a playoff-caliber quarterback, I’m sorry. I know people wanna believe; I just don’t. Coming out of college there was definitely talk in the lead-up to the season that he could be a QB1. It was him, and Spencer Rattler were the toast of the town, and it didn’t work out for either guy."
- Matt Miller, ESPN via Commanders Wire
There will always be skeptics given Howell's inexperience. That's what makes ignoring the outside noise and focusing on what he can control of paramount importance.