Commanders News: Sam Howell, Eric Bieniemy, Ron Rivera and Week 7

Commanders QB Sam Howell's development

Sam Howell's evolution into the Washington Commanders' long-term answer under center couldn't be going much better. There are some things to clean up and it's not been perfect, but the overall body of work is encouraging through six games.

Another test awaits in Week 7 at the New York Giants and their outstanding defensive front. Howell's already generated success on his travels this season, so hopes are high that the former fifth-round selection can handle another pressure-cooker environment in pursuit of victory.

When discussing Howell's development, head coach Ron Rivera stated via Sports Illustrated there is no timeline regarding any objectives that have been set in-house. It's all about taking the rough with the smooth and seeing how the North Carolina product reacts to problems with additional experience.

"I don't think there is a timeline. I really don't. That's something I think as a quarterback coach or the coordinator that's something that they're looking for. That obviously would tell them that there's growth. That now, okay, he's starting to feel that, he's starting to understand what the protections mean, starting to understand what it means with this type of route combination. It's a five-step drop as opposed to a seven-step drop. Those are all things that young quarterbacks have to learn and understand. I think that's what we're looking for to see as far as what we're looking at to see the growth."

- Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated

Howell can make another big statement by securing a divisional success on the road this afternoon. Something that would only enhance his claims of being the franchise quarterback Washington has craved for years.