Commanders News: Sam Howell, Ron Rivera, Montez Sweat and Derrick Gore

Commanders QB Sam Howell's 'red flag' comparison

Much has been made about the monumental wager the Washington Commanders are placing on Sam Howell in 2023. Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy clearly believe the quarterback has something special to thrive in a prominent starting role, but it's a shot into the dark given that the former fifth-round selection has just one game of competitive NFL experience to call upon.

Howell is getting a crash course in what it takes to succeed at the next level from Washington's elite-level defense throughout training camp. This has resulted in a mixed bag in terms of performance levels so far, but nothing to be overly concerned about given the flashes of brilliance he's also demonstrating.

When ranking Howell in the unknown category, two anonymous NFL executives highlighted their concerns with the signal-caller's comparison to Brock Purdy when speaking to Mike Sando of The Athletic via The Bleacher Report. But again, there isn't much to go off one way or another as pertains to NFL production.

"Couldn't you pick someone better than Brock Purdy to compare him to? It's not a good sign when they are comparing him to the guy in San Francisco."

- NFL executives via The Bleacher Report

Purdy might have been Mr. Irrelevant, but he led the San Francisco 49ers on a deep postseason run last season and might have made the Super Bowl had it not been for injury. The 2022 seventh-rounder is also set to resume duties as the team's No. 1 option despite the presence of Trey Lance and Sam Darnold.

Howell had far more natural talent in college. Whether this translates to similar fortunes in the NFL remains to be seen.