Halfway through the 2023 NFL season, the Washington Commanders decided they were looking toward the future as they were sellers at the trade deadline.
The Commanders dealt away Montez Sweat and Chase Young for draft compensation, signaling they’re conceding their opportunity to compete for a playoff spot.
There were murmurings that a loss in Week 8 would determine their direction and that’s exactly what ended up happening when they were beaten by the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was a valiant effort as Washington hung around for most of the afternoon before losing 38-31.
Sam Howell continued to show that he has the traits of a starting quarterback as he hung tough against a menacing Philadelphia defensive line to hit receivers downfield.
In fact, Howell’s been so impressive in his first year as a full-time starter that the organization believes he’ll be their franchise quarterback via Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
It’s my favorite part of the weekend.
Sharing with you some of my conversations and intel collected over the last few days before Week 9 NFL action:https://t.co/eYc9FVI423 pic.twitter.com/mEKwtBlji3— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) November 4, 2023
Howell has shown marked improvement throughout the regular season as he seems to have a better grasp of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s system.
With great receiving options in Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, Howell’s got the foundation to be successful as a passer though the young signal caller still struggles with his timing.
Howell was on pace to break the NFL record for most sacks taken in a season, though he’s at least cut down on that in recent weeks.
He has a habit of hanging onto the football for too long waiting for plays to develop, though he’s seemingly learned to take the check downs.
All in all, Howell could be the long-term answer for the Commanders which gives them someone to build around.
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Commanders HC Doubles Down On Comments About Sam Howell