After finishing the 2022 season strong and nearly getting a wild-card playoff spot, the Washington Commanders will have a new starter at quarterback next year in Sam Howell.
Howell played in just one game in 2022, his rookie season, but he seems to have the support of Terry McLaurin, his top wide receiver.
McLaurin said that Howell has “taken the bull by the horns” and shown leadership this offseason.
.@sam7howell is stepping up to the plate 👏 pic.twitter.com/c3Ac2PAqDB
— NFL (@NFL) June 4, 2023
The Commanders decided to move on from veteran Carson Wentz, who threw just 11 touchdown passes and gave away nine interceptions in eight games last season.
After fracturing the ring finger on his throwing hand in October, Washington went with Taylor Heinicke at QB1, and they stuck with him as their starter even after Wentz was cleared to play again.
Howell, a fifth-round draft selection by Washington in 2022, was a star during his three seasons with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
He started the last game of the 2022 campaign, completing 11 of 19 passes and finishing with 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 26-6 victory over the rival Dallas Cowboys.
Washington will likely finish with the worst record in the very competitive NFC East this coming season, but their low expectations will give them the luxury of being patient with Howell, as well as their overall situation.
Still, McLaurin has been one of the conference’s more productive wideouts over the last few years, and Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen give the Commanders an excellent pair of defensive tackles, both of whom made the Pro Bowl last season.
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Commanders WR Makes His Thoughts Clear About Eric Bieniemy