Since January, the Washington Commanders have told everyone they are all in on Sam Howell at quarterback. Head coach Ron Rivera hasn’t named Howell the starting quarterback, but he’s continually referenced Howell as “QB1” at different times this offseason.
At the end of the offseason program, Rivera acknowledged there would be a quarterback battle in training camp beginning next month but that Howell enters camp as “QB1.”
How big is Howell’s lead over Jacoby Brissett entering training camp?
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, it is significant.
“Sam Howell held serve all spring, and I believe his lead in the Washington quarterback derby is significant,” Breer wrote in his column Monday.
Breer then discussed Howell’s progress:
Yes, Commanders coach Ron Rivera said a few weeks back that Jacoby Brissett will have a shot to win the job in the summer. But he spent the rest of the team’s offseason program telling everyone who’d listen how much he believes in Howell—and that belief was justified over the past nine weeks.
Howell’s arm talent and progress in learning Eric Bieniemy’s offense have encouraged everyone in the organization.
We can start with the simple stuff. For a guy whose draft status may have led to some misperception on his talent, Howell consistently put a plus arm on display in OTAs and minicamp, making throws some quarterbacks won’t, and generating plenty of velocity on the ball. Also, with the whole offense adjusting to the complex offense that new OC Eric Bieniemy is installing, Howell had his bumps, but never seemed behind in learning it. As a result, Howell took all the first-team reps through the spring, and, again, while there were bumps, it doesn’t sound like there’s any reason for Bieniemy and Rivera to veer off that course that they set for the quarterbacks back in April.
One of the biggest misconceptions we’ve covered since Howell’s arrival in Washington is “he can’t be a successful starting quarterback because he was a fifth-round pick.” It’s a tired narrative we’ve heard far too often this offseason.
Howell has the talent to succeed in the NFL. What Howell needs is the opportunity, and Washington is prepared to provide the opportunity for him. Whether Howell fails or succeeds, it’s not because of where he was drafted.
