The Washington Commanders knew that their offense was going to look drastically different in 2023 when they hired Eric Bieniemy to take over as their offensive coordinator. Their biggest risk in the operation was handing the starting quarterback job to Sam Howell, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
There have been some ups and downs, which you would expect from a player who made only one appearance as a rookie. Howell started the Commanders’ final regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys and came away with a victory.
Leading the league in dropbacks, Bieniemy has been fearless in having Howell rip it loose despite some tough conditions. The Commanders’ offensive line has not been great, leading to a league-high 44 sacks absorbed through nine games. Howell also leads the league in passes completed and attempted and is tied for the most interceptions with nine.
With a bit of a gun-slinger mentality, Howell fits the aggressive aerial attack that Bieniemy has installed. That has led to some success down the field, where the North Carolina product leads the league in another stat.
Per PFF, Howell has the most big-time throws in the NFL. A big-time throw is categorized as a pass “with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window.”
On the season, Howell has 22. He sticks out among the top five as the group is rounded out by stars Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen. JPAFootball shared the stats on X, formerly known as Twitter.
It is interesting to think about what Howell could accomplish if the Commanders were able to block for him in the trenches competently. He is finding success in the toughest situations despite some less-than-favorable conditions to work with.
Right in the thick of the playoff race in the NFC, Howell could play himself into the long-term starter spot with a strong finish to the 2023 season.
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