Skip to content
Football
NFL

Sam Howell Named Washington Commanders’ Starting Quarterback

Published on August 25, 2023
Updated on August 30, 2023
Simon
Written by Simon

Top Sports Books

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER in CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MS, NJ, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ontario or Puerto Rico.
Offer valid and must be physically present in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY. 21+. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? IL, MD, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, PA: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; CO, WY, KS: Call 1-800-522-4700; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA: Call 1-877-770-STOP; MI: Call 1-800-270-7117. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. MA: CALL 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369).
Must be 21+ and present in CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, or WV. Void Where Prohibited. T&C APPLY. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, OH, MD, NJ, PA, WV). Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-800-270-7117 (MI), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD) and www.1800gambler.net (WV).
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or visit OPGR.org (OR). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in NH/OR/ONT. Full T&Cs Apply.
21+. T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Sam Howell Named Washington Commanders' Starting Quarterback
  • Sam Howell Named Starting Quarterback for Washington Commanders
  • Showing Impressive Performances and Decision-Making
  • Head Coach has Confidence in Howell’s Development and Potential

Sam Howell Secures Starting Quarterback Role

The Washington Commanders have decisively chosen Sam Howell as their starting quarterback, marking a culmination of his steady progress and standout performances during the preseason. The official announcement follows months of training camp preparation, where Howell showcased his capabilities and led the team’s offense with assurance.

Head Coach Ron Rivera affirmed Howell’s selection, stating that the young quarterback had effectively met the challenges set forth by the coaching staff. Rivera emphasized the growth observed in Howell’s skills from the initial Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp through to the ongoing training camp. The decision to name Howell the starter signifies the Commanders’ confidence in his ability to lead the team on the field.

The offseason had begun with a quarterback competition between Howell and veteran Jacoby Brissett, as Rivera had underlined that the role had to be earned based on performance. However, Howell’s consistent progress and command of the offensive playbook left little room for doubt. During training camp, Howell assumed a majority of first-team reps, effectively establishing his dominance as the potential starting quarterback.

Howell’s transition to the starting position is an outcome of his impressive track record, despite his limited experience in the professional league. A fifth-round pick from North Carolina, Howell had an impactful showing in his rookie year, indicating his potential during a game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Rivera’s early conversations with offensive coordinator candidates revealed that Howell was presumed to be the frontrunner, further reinforcing his candidacy.

While the Commanders’ decision to rely on Howell garnered skepticism due to his minimal experience, his adept decision-making, leadership in huddles, mobility, and the ability to adapt under pressure were key factors in swaying the coaching staff’s decision. The quarterback’s continuous growth and improvement throughout the training camp were pivotal in securing his place as the starter.

The Commanders’ preseason win against the Cleveland Browns offered a glimpse of Howell’s capabilities. His performance, including 9 completions out of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, earned him a passer rating of 119.1. Howell’s play was characterized by commendable decision-making and a confident command of the offense.

As the Commanders look to build momentum for the upcoming season, Howell’s elevation to the starting position marks a significant step forward. The pressure on him is substantial, given the franchise’s history of quarterback turnover and the new ownership that has recently taken the helm. However, Howell’s composed demeanor and dedication to improvement bode well for the team’s aspirations.

The Commanders’ fans and coaching staff alike now turn their attention to the regular season, where Howell’s performance will be closely scrutinized as he steps into the spotlight as the team’s lead quarterback. The journey from a rookie with limited playing time to a trusted starter is a testament to Howell’s dedication and potential for growth in the NFL arena.

Betting implications

For the Commanders, they could be in for a challenging season. The NFC East was one of the most competitive divisions in the league, featuring three teams in the playoffs, while the Commanders were the only ones left out.

They will also face a tough road this season. According to Pro Football Focus, they have the sixth-toughest schedule this season. There won’t be too many games where they’ll be favored, and you can anticipate them having another challenging season.

Share this article
Article link copied!
Simon
Site Manager

Simon Flynn is a sports bettor with over 10 years experience in building profitable sports trading systems. Specializing in football (the type where players use their feet), he dreams of hitting that elusive 10-game accumulator one day.

Betting.com Editorial Promise