Commanders News: Sam Howell, Terry McLaurin, Josh Harris and Ron Rivera

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.