Commanders QB Sam Howell proves he belongs in Preseason Week 1

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell proved he's ready for increased responsibilities in Preseason Week 1 at the Cleveland Browns.

In a game that started off slow at first - thanks in no small part to a lengthy weather delay - the Washington Commanders came out with a purpose. But that wasn't the case with the offensive line, who still had some issues despite Sam Cosmi and Nick Gates showing life.

Sam Howell, the second-year quarterback, showed why he is the right guy to lead this franchise. Although it was a relatively small sample size compared to what we'll see from the gunslinger when the regular season arrives.

With his third possession throw - a fourth down completion to Cole Turner - Howell displayed poise in a key situation. On the next play, Commanders fans should get used to this connection all season after Howell delivered a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson.

Howell's mobility, accuracy, and awareness were very much on display. He moved the chains with ease and there was a lot to take from the former fifth-round selection's game.

After the game, Howell called it a solid performance, but no more than that. He completed nine of 12 passes for 77 yards, one touchdown, and a passing rating of 119.1. This first live action against another opponent besides his team in practice should be another confidence boost heading into Week 1.

Some believe head coach Ron Rivera could waiver from Howell if Jacoby Brissett starts to shine in the preseason games. There will be growing pains, so learning and making the necessary adjustments will continue to bring out the best in him.

You can hear how excited the fans are. For once they believe that Howell can finally provide the Commanders with a franchise quarterback. Let's think back to last season when the former fifth-round pick took the field - nobody expected him to perform as well as he did.

Fast forward to now, the quarterback race is still up in the air if you listen to Rivera. But make no mistake, this is Howell's team until further notice.

Brissett had some decent moments in Preseason Week 1 against his old employers. But I don't think it will be enough to overtake Howell for the starting job.

Every time Howell takes the field, he has impressed. You can see how Eric Bieniemy's offense is constructed with a lot of shifts and movements, which fits how the man under center likes to go about his business.

The Commanders' next preseason game will be Monday, August 21 on ESPN against Lamar Jackosn and the Baltimore Ravens. They also have two joint practices against John Harbaugh's charges this week.

This will be another great test for Howell to go versus a very good Ravens defense. As the season comes near, the signal-caller will have the opportunity to gasp the offense a little more. There will be a little more added each game - so there is a chance he could play the entire first half instead of a one or two series.

Make no mistake, despite what the national media says about Howell, Rivera, and Bieniemy know what they have in him. He will be a force to be reckoned with, and with two more games in the preseason to go, getting the most out of each before the campaign will be critical for his growth.