Commanders News: Sam Howell, Mason Brooks, Logan Thomas and Milton Wright

Sam Howell leading Commanders QB race

Ron Rivera said there will be a genuine quarterback competition between Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett to determine who'll be under center in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Washington Commanders avoided the temptation to make a big splash this spring after releasing Carson Wentz, so the head coach is hanging his job on the fact one of his signal-callers provides the stability needed.

Howell's taken the majority of first-team reps throughout the offseason and done well overall. Something that was further acknowledged by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, who stated via USA Today Sports that the former fifth-round selection out of North Carolina was in the lead by a comfortable margin over Brissett.

"Ron Rivera said a few weeks back that Jacoby Brissett will have a shot to win the job in the summer. But he spent the rest of the team’s offseason program telling everyone who’d listen how much he believes in Howell—and that belief was justified over the past nine weeks. Howell consistently put a plus arm on display in OTAs and minicamp, making throws some quarterbacks won’t, and generating plenty of velocity on the ball. Also, with the whole offense adjusting to the complex offense that new OC Eric Bieniemy is installing, Howell had his bumps, but never seemed behind in learning it."

- Albert Breer via USA Today Sports

This is what many people envisaged despite Brissett's decent production for the Cleveland Browns. Confidence is growing where Howell is concerned among coaches and teammates, which is a solid platform to build upon en route to proving his draft status wrong.

It could all go horribly wrong - especially if the offensive line cannot make the improvements needed. But for now, Howell is the guy Washington believes can make all the difference at football's most important position.