How Sam Howell's past can define his future as Commanders franchise QB

Could Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell's past provide an insight into how successful he can become in 2023?

There's no denying the success - or failure - of Sam Howell entering the 2023 season as the Washington Commanders' starting quarterback will have massive implications for this year and beyond.

Ron Rivera and the upper management opted to draft Chase Young with the No. 2 overall pick three years ago. At the time, it felt like the right choice. But while injuries have hindered his dominant rookie campaign, the Los Angeles Chargers just locked up quarterback Justin Herbert to a record-breaking five-year, $262.5 million contract extension, averaging $52.5 million per year.

Washington opted not to trigger Young's fifth-year option, hoping it will motivate him for a monster comeback year. The former Oregon quarterback was taken just four picks after the Commanders opted for a player deemed as a generational talent as a pass rusher.

There's no crystal ball to project how a prospect will translate to the NFL. But at this point, it appears as if the coaching staff - and most of the fan base - are all in on Howell as their potential franchise signal caller.

Here are a few reasons to validate their decision to bet all their chips on last year's fifth-round draft pick.