Sam Howell shines in debut as Commanders' starting QB against Ravens

The Washington Commanders are excited about their new starting quarterback, Sam Howell, after his impressive performance in the preseason. Despite his draft stock falling, Howell looked comfortable and delivered strong throws. If he continues to perform well, it could be a game-changer for the Commanders.

The preseason has often been a deceptive stage for quarterbacks, as many have shone brightly in those games only to crumble under the pressure of the regular season. However, the Washington Commanders may have found something special in their starting quarterback, Sam Howell, based on his performance on Monday night.

Last week, the Commanders made the decision to name Howell as their starting quarterback, choosing him over offseason addition Jacoby Brissett. It was a move that seemed justified after witnessing Howell's masterful display against the Baltimore Ravens.

In the first half alone, Howell completed 19 of his 25 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. The Commanders managed to score 17 points by halftime against a Ravens team that takes the preseason quite seriously. These numbers alone are not enough to crown Howell as the next great quarterback, especially considering that he was up against the Ravens' backup defense. However, it was more than just the statistics that impressed.

Howell exuded an air of comfort and confidence on the field. He displayed the poise and decision-making of a seasoned veteran, rather than that of a second-year player with only one NFL start under his belt. Moreover, his throws were strong and accurate, hitting his open receivers with precision.

While it is important to remember that this is only the preseason, Howell's performance was undeniably impressive. It is worth noting that Howell was once considered a first-round prospect, but his draft stock plummeted during his final college season at North Carolina. The Commanders made a wise investment by selecting him in the fifth round, a low-cost move that could potentially yield great returns.

Howell showcased his skills in the previous preseason and performed admirably in his Week 18 start against the Dallas Cowboys last season. The Commanders had already paved the way for Howell to take the reins as their quarterback in 2023, signing Brissett as insurance in case Howell faltered during training camp. However, Howell has proven himself worthy of the starting role, surpassing expectations.

Of course, there is always the possibility that Howell's success in the preseason will not translate to the regular season. It is a common occurrence for promising players to falter when the pressure is on. Nevertheless, if Howell continues to excel, his emergence as a top-tier quarterback could be a game-changer for the Commanders, providing them with a much-needed boost.