Commanders News: Sam Howell, Ron Rivera, RFK Stadium boost and injury concerns

Commanders QB Sam Howell praised

Sam Howell is rapidly becoming a media darling following an exceptional start to life as the Washington Commanders starting quarterback. His fearless gunslinging to spearhead a sensational comeback at the Denver Broncos was his official coming out party, which is sure to bolster confidence ahead of arguably the toughest test of his NFL career to date.

There's nothing to suggest Howell cannot hold his own against a Buffalo Bills defense that's still missing star edge rusher Von Miller through injury. Going toe-to-toe with Josh Allen will be difficult, but it's not like he isn't prone to a turnover or two himself when pressure arrives.

This is a sentiment echoed by ESPN's analyst Dan Orlovsky, who stated via Sports Illustrated that Howell's ability to push the football downfield is more than a match for Allen, who is renowned for having one of the lives arms in football.

"He has an absolute cannon for an arm. Josh Allen has one of the best arms in football — certainly down the field. Sam Howell, it's not that good, but it ain't far off (from Allen)."

- Dan Orlovsky via Sports Illustrated

Orlovsky has been one of Howell's biggest supporters throughout the offseason. Other people are now starting to latch on, so there's just no telling how much the hype will increase if the former fifth-round selection gets one over on Allen with the home-field crowd behind him.