Which Washington Commanders' news stories are hitting the headlines following the team's impressive preseason win over the Baltimore Ravens?
It might have only been preseason, but the atmosphere was electric at FedEx Field for the first contest on home soil since Dan Snyder sold the Washington Commanders. Monday's win to break the Baltimore Ravens' unbeaten streak was another encouraging milestone in their preparations for the upcoming campaign, which couldn't be going much better aside from the injury front.
Of course, such an event always brings about plenty of news and rumors. Among the stories causing debate include Sam Howell's endorsement, Ron Rivera's assessment, Terry McLaurin's status, and Josh Harris on how he's found being an NFL owner so far.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin's status
Although it was mainly positive from the Washington Commanders after their outstanding display in the national spotlight, there was one area of concern. Terry McLaurin went out with a toe injury that required further assessment, which had fans feeling a sense of trepidation as they awaited news from the face of the franchise.
Tests came back negative - meaning there was no fracture - but head coach Ron Rivera stated that McLaurin is now day-to-day in terms of availability. Considering how we are still in the preseason, one would expect to see the former third-round selection shut down until Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Hopefully, there will be no further complications and McLaurin can assist right out of the gate in 2023. Especially considering the Commanders might actually have a productive quarterback for the first time since he was drafted.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera's assessment
It's easy to get carried away with preseason results, depending on the way they go. But for the Washington Commanders, there is some significant momentum building at an important stage of the 2023 preparations.
One of the biggest positives to emerge from Monday's win was the effort of Sam Howell. The quarterback looked assured in the pocket, made plays when called upon, and put points on the board before heading to the sidelines - something that enhanced the level of expectancy about what the former fifth-round selection could achieve next season.
When discussing Howell's performance, head coach Ron Rivera was evidently pleased based on comments via Nicki Jhabvala from The Washington Post. He also highlighted that after a long search, the Commanders might have their franchise signal-caller at long last.
"There’s a lot of pressure, obviously, and we know how important the quarterback position is in the league and how important it is in this area. We’ve been looking for one and we have an opportunity to have a guy that has a chance to be a really good football player for us."Ron Rivera via Twitter/X
This is another boxed ticked off for Howell. He got extended reps in the first half, didn't look out of place whatsoever, and is clearly growing in confidence with more experience under his belt.
Long may it continue.
Commanders owner Josh Harris' perception
There was no way Josh Harris was going to miss the first home game since his ownership group bought the Washington Commanders for a record $6.05 billion. He's been basking in the glory of rescuing the franchise from Dan Snyder's reign of terror and the players marked the occasion by snapping the longest-ever preseason unbeaten run in NFL history for good measure.
Harris did the rounds, greeting coaches, players, and Washington alumni. He also spent time in the booth with Troy Aikman and Joe Buck of ESPN, leading to a rather awkward handshake that went viral.
When speaking about how Harris is finding life as an NFL owner, the billionaire stated via Nicki Jhabvala from the Washington Post that he's still within the bedding-in period and is learning how things work over time. But it's clear that the new owner is feeling an enormous sense of anticipation about what this talented team might be able to accomplish next season.
"I'm watching, I'm learning. … It's a long season, but we're optimistic. And watching Sam out there…. I have a lot of faith in Sam and the team."Josh Harris via X/Twitter
Ron Rivera recently revealed that he's been discussing potential extensions for specific players with Harris as part of their ongoing talks about the team's long-term vision. This is going to be a constant assessment in the coming months for the group, but the head coach and other influential figures are going to get a fair chance to prove themselves at the very least.
Commanders QB Sam Howell's endorsement
This was probably the last prolonged time under center Sam Howell's going to get before Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals arrives. But that's no doubt that the Washington Commanders quarterback made the most of it.
The former fifth-round selection turned on the style with the NFL world watching, making a series of outstanding throws en route to a 123.4 passer rating. There are some things to clean up, but this was another confidence-building night for a player with some significant pressure on his shoulders in 2023.
Howell also got a glowing recommendation from former Washington quarterback turned ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III, who stated via Twitter/X that the presence of Eric Bieniemy could ensure the signal-caller far exceeds expectations with so much talent around him.
"DON’T SLEEP on the Washington Commanders man. The offensive weapons will certainly make Sam Howell’s job easier, but Howell has the talent to MAXIMIZE HIS OPPORTUNITY as QB1. New OC Eric Bieniemy likes his ability paired with all the versatile playmakers with SPEED and SKILL the Commanders have."Robert Griffin III via Twitter/X
Again, it's always easy to get carried away. But this is the first time since Griffin took the league by storm that the Commanders have legitimate excitement at football's most critical position.
It could all go wrong, obviously. It could also be the spark that ignites a sleeping giant back to life.