Commanders news: Sam Howell, Ron Rivera, Joe Hortiz and Black Monday

Commanders QB Sam Howell's assessment

Sam Howell got the chance to see out the year and become the first Washington Commanders quarterback to start every regular season game since Kirk Cousins in 2017. There were flashes once again, but costly turnovers and increased hesitancy ended up being his undoing versus an opportunistic Dallas Cowboys defense.

This brings the curtain down on Howell's 2023 season. Considering the Commanders locked up the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, all signs point to a new signal-caller coming into the franchise from the college ranks.

Howell was in a somber mood when speaking to the media following the contest. The former fifth-round pick acknowledged it's been tough going based on comments via USA Today Sports. He was also appreciative of the opportunity and aims to be more consistent moving forward.

"It was a lot of ups and downs, a tough year, not the year we expected to have, not the year we wanted to have. But that being said, I have learned a lot. I’ve grown a lot as a player, as a person. And for that, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I think I’ll be more consistent. I think the main thing for me is just playing. I think at times I was playing some good ball. I’ve just got to do it more consistently."

- Sam Howell via USA Today Sports

Howell is one of many Commanders players facing an uncertain future. Looking at how things have unfolded throughout the campaign and the introduction of new appointments in positions of power, things don't look great for the North Carolina product.