Commanders News: Sam Howell, Chase Young, Emmanuel Forbes and improvements

Commanders QB Sam Howell's confidence increasing

The positive vibes emanating from the Washington Commanders regarding Sam Howell have done nothing to suggest he isn't ready to become the team's No. 1 option at quarterback in 2023. There have been some errors throughout OTAs so far, but anyone that expected otherwise was kidding themselves as the former fifth-round pick adjusts to more responsibilities and learns Eric Bieniey's more creative scheme.

Bieniemy is giving Howell all he can handle in the hope of thriving immediately next season. When asked about the signal-caller's transition from backup into a starter, wide receiver Terry McLaurin stated via the team's website that he's noticed confidence increasing with every passing practice where the North Carolina product is concerned.

"I think Sam [Howell] has a real quiet confidence about him. He's not gonna tell people what to do, but he knows what he's doing when he gets out on the field. For him to come in and be aggressive the way he was, I think that says a lot about who he is and his ability to prepare. He's very confident in his ability, and he's not afraid to give guys the opportunity to make plays. You can really tell he has a good grasp of playing football, especially for a young guy coming in with a pretty challenging offense."

- Terry McLaurin via Commanders.com

There is a long way to go and Howell still needs to beat out Jacoby Brissett at training camp, but he's clearly growing in stature. Something that can hopefully continue across summer practices ahead of his big moment in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.

McLaurin will play a significant role in any success that comes Howell's way. If the pair hit it off, this is going to be a mutually beneficial arrangement that also helps the Commanders enormously.