In a bold move last week, the Washington Commanders parted ways with two of their top young talents, signaling a clear shift in focus towards building a team around quarterback Sam Howell. Head Coach Ron Rivera has been vocal about his confidence in Howell's future with the team, and recent performances have only bolstered that belief.
Rising Star Under Center
Howell's arm was on full display in a commanding win against New England, where he threw for 325 yards and a touchdown. This performance is part of a larger trend for the rookie quarterback, who has surpassed 300 passing yards in three of his last five games. With an impressive total of 1,510 passing yards over that stretch, he ties for the most touchdowns in the NFL. His rapid ascent has made history, as he became the first quarterback in franchise history to surpass 2,500 yards in just 10 starts.
Teammate Confidence and Leadership
Defensive stalwart Jonathan Allen has expressed his belief in Howell's leadership and potential, stating, "Sam Howell is our leader. We found our next quarterback for five, 10 years. I truly believe that... He has the potential to be one of them." Howell himself is focused on the present, aiming to cement his role by taking it "one day at a time."
Strategic Trades
The Commanders' recent trades have sent Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick and Chase Young to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round pick. These moves are strategic, aimed at building stronger protection for Howell and redistributing resources across the roster. With Howell on a rookie deal for two more seasons, Washington has the financial flexibility to strengthen the team around him.
A Franchise Quarterback?
Rivera's optimism about Howell's prospects is palpable. "We feel we have a quarterback," he said. "This franchise has been looking for quite some time and for the first time in a while, I think that that guy might be here." The sentiment is echoed by offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr., who emphasized the importance of consistency and experience for Howell's development.
Development and Comfort in the Offense
Despite being sacked a league-leading 44 times, Howell has shown resilience and a calm demeanor—an asset noted by his teammates and coaching staff. Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett offered Howell words of encouragement after an interception, highlighting the supportive environment that surrounds the rookie. Howell's comfort with the offense and decisiveness have been highlighted by wide receiver Terry McLaurin, especially significant as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
The end of the season will indeed be telling for Howell's future with the Commanders. However, the new owner Josh Harris could impact the coaching and football operations staff's future, potentially influencing the direction of Howell's development and the team's strategy going forward.
As Washington stands at 4-5 with Howell starting 10 games, there is a sense of cautious optimism. Howell's ability to make significant plays both passing and running, including attempting 15 passes of 20 yards or more downfield in the last two weeks, showcases his potential. The team's aim to build a robust offensive line and a balanced team around him suggests that the Commanders see Howell not just as a stopgap but as a cornerstone for future success.
The trajectory of Howell's career is still in its infancy, yet the early signs are promising. As Rivera puts it, "It's going to give us an opportunity to continue to build for the future and do things a little differently." For the Commanders and their fans, the hope is that Howell's development continues to trend upward, leading the team back to prominence in the NFL landscape.