How has Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell fared over the first five games of the 2023 campaign with his team sitting at 2-3?
After accepting the challenge and growing in stature throughout the offseason, confidence grew around Sam Howell heading into his first season as Washington Commanders starting quarterback. This was a gamble from head coach Ron Rivera with new ownership watching on intently, especially considering he was a fifth-round selection with just one career start under his belt.
The Commanders might not be setting the world alight in terms of results, but Howell is catching the eye more often than not. There is a long way to go and it's not perfect by any stretch, but there's been far more good than bad where the North Carolina product is concerned.
Howell's focused more on the team, who have failed to get over the line over the last fortnight and were humbled in no uncertain terms at home to the Chicago Bears with the entire NFL community taking a keen interest. However, there's been a lot to like, and hopefully, this is a trend that can continue long into the future.
With this in mind, we took a close look and graded Howell's opening five games of the 2023 campaign.
Commanders vs. Cardinals - Week 1
- 61.29% completion
- 202 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 1 interception
- 6 sacks against
- 36.2 QBR
- 77.6 passer rating
This was seen as the perfect game for the Washington Commanders to get their season off to a flier. They struggled early on, but Sam Howell managed to produce the good when it mattered most to ensure they escaped from FedEx Field with an opening-day triumph.
Howell was obviously nervous right out of the gate, which wasn't entirely unexpected. The offensive line was an abomination in front of him, but the signal-caller dusted himself off after the half-time interval to drag his team over the finish line behind a defense that looked primed for great things in 2023.
Performance Grade: B
This was a solid start from Howell, but no more than that. However, it did prove that the gunslinger had what it takes to come through in the clutch when his team needed him.
Commanders at Broncos - Week 2
- 69.23% completion
- 299 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 4 sacks against
- 59.6 QBR
- 108.8 passer rating
This was Sam Howell's first competitive road start as an NFL starting quarterback. And to say he had a mountain to climb early on would be the biggest understatement imaginable.
The Washington Commanders weren't at the races for the first 20 minutes. They were lackluster in all three phases and it looked like the team had no answer for the Denver Broncos' game plan devised by head coach Sean Payton, who joined the franchise after spending one season as an analyst with FOX.
However, Howell didn't flinch in the face of adversity. The quarterback began to show life over the final stages of the first half and carried this forward after the break with the sort of throwing ability that made him one of college football's top prospects in 2020.
Howell's poise, ability to get the football out with supreme accuracy under pressure, and coming through on key downs were immensely pleasing. When scoring opportunities arrived, the signal-caller delivered.
Performance Grade: A
Not only this, but Howell once again displayed his clutch gene late to ensure a phenomenal comeback triumph for the Commanders. One that formally announced his arrival on the NFL stage and got people thinking differently about what this team might be capable of under his guidance.
Commanders vs. Bills - Week 3
- 65.52% completion
- 170 passing yards
- 0 touchdowns
- 4 interceptions
- 9 sacks against
- 14.6 QBR
- 41.5 passer rating
This was the first acid test for Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders. The Buffalo Bills are expected to be among the leading Super Bowl contenders once again led by a stout defense and a quarterback in Josh Allen who represents an immense obstacle to overcome - so the challenge was obviously significant.
It was clear from pretty early on that this wasn't going to go Washington's way. Buffalo's defense was nothing short of relentless immediately, putting Howell under significant duress and forcing the second-year-pro into numerous costly errors along the way.
Putting up four interceptions represented Howell crashing back down to earth in no uncertain terms. He looked shaky behind an offensive line that couldn't be trusted en route to conceding nine sacks, with the defense's subpar performance doing nothing to tip the scales in the Commanders' favor.
All the positivity surrounding Howell sapped away in the blink of an eye. Others were also at fault, but the quarterback normally carries the can and four giveaways were not what many anticipated despite the high standard of opposition.
Performance Grade: D
Howell was the first to admit that this wasn't his greatest moment. All eyes were on the player to see how he'd bounce back in the face of adversity for the first time in his NFL career at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5.
Commanders at Eagles - Week 4
- 70.73% completion
- 290 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 0 interceptions
- 40 rushing yards
- 5 sacks against
- 69.1 QBR
- 98.6 passer rating
All eyes were on Sam Howell at Lincoln Financial Field - one of the most intimidating environments anywhere in the league. Not many gave the Washington Commanders hope of getting one over on their NFC East rivals, but fewer expectations and the quarterback's surprising resolve had a hugely positive impact.
Howell came out with renewed purpose behind a more balanced offensive scheme implemented by Eric Bieniemy. The former Tar Heel looked accomplished in the pocket, improved the velocity on his throws, and more importantly, protected the football versus an outstanding Philadelphia Eagles defensive line.
Sure, Howell was sacked too much again. But he's learning to cope effectively and the last-drive heroics against all odds were another prime reason why there's so much hope surrounding the player through five weeks.
Washington eventually fell in overtime, which was disappointing. However, there were plenty of positives to take from the defeat against the defending NFC conference champions, and Howell's production was right at the top.
Performance Grade: A
Any fears about Howell following his disappointing outing against the Buffalo Bills were completely alleviated. If other areas had performed to a similar standard, the Commanders would have been well on course for an upset triumph.
Commanders vs. Bears - Week 5
- 72.54% completion
- 388 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 19 rushing yards
- 5 sacks against
- 46.6 QBR
- 99.1 passer rating
After two straight defeats, facing the winless Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football was seen as the perfect get-right game for the Washington Commanders. Unfortunately, it turned out to be anything but.
Another sluggish start saw the Commanders and Sam Howell get into another early hole. Not exactly ideal after two offensive drives, but it's another sign of poor preparation from a coaching staff under increasing pressure.
In all honesty, the Commanders were never really in this game. However, the performance of Howell with almost the entire offense on his shoulders was once again encouraging.
Howell had to throw his way back into the game, which he did effectively. The quarterback got the football out quickly, improvised when needed, and also proved efficient in the red zone despite getting no assistance whatsoever from a defense that has flattered to deceive through five weeks.
Performance Grade: B+
Ron Rivera freely admitted recently that the Commanders are putting too much pressure on Howell. He's coped extremely well with difficult circumstances, but the onus is on other position groups to step up and give this team a fighting chance of attaining success in 2023.
As for Howell, he's been nothing short of impressive overall. Long may it continue.