Commanders News: Sam Howell, Emmanuel Forbes, Jahan Dotson and Chase Young
By Dean Jones
Commanders QB Sam Howell's comfort
Another 300-yard passing game from Sam Howell was especially pleasing versus an elite defensive mind in Bill Belichick. The quarterback also surged up to No. 2 in the passing yard standings league-wide behind only Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins.
Howell looks to have the full support of those within the building about becoming the Washington Commanders long-term quarterback. There is a long way to go and plenty of uncertainty with Josh Harris' ownership group considering vast changes, but the former fifth-round selection couldn't have done much more over his opening nine games.
When discussing Howell's encouraging growth, head coach Ron Rivera stated via Sports Illustrated it was the signal-caller's increased level of comfort under center that's been most impressive from his point of view.
"You can see now the trust and comfort level that he’s starting to develop and grow. But also you can see the comfort level which he’s executing the play call, how he’s involved in the protections…checking with the receivers and changing routes and stuff like that. It’s taken a little bit to get there. We kind of figured it would take some time (and) didn’t expect him to take as many hits early on. But I think what’s happening is I think the confidence is starting to really show and I think that’s important."
- Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated
Rivera is firmly hitching his wagon to Howell in the hope of saving his job beyond 2023. There are a lot of mitigating factors in play, but confidence couldn't be much higher in the gunslinger currently.