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To make things clear, Sam Howell isn’t automatically the Washington Commanders starting quarterback come Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. Instead, he will have every opportunity to win the job.
No one from the organization has already billed the second-year player as their definitive QB1 in the upcoming campaign. But he will get first-team reps during the OTAs and at training camp.
While the job is his to lose, Howell will have some competition in Jacoby Brissett. The Commanders signed him on a one-year, $10 million, a hefty price for backups. That amount indicates two things. First, Sam Howell must go hard in scrimmages because they brought in an able play-caller.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!Last season, Brissett started 11 games for the Cleveland Browns while Deshaun Watson served his suspension. He did fine, finishing with 236 completions for 2,608 yards and 12 touchdowns. Brissett can take Howell’s job if head coach Ron Rivera thinks he gives them the best chance to win.
Second, Washington is still maintaining confidence that Howell could be their guy. Brissett is an average option at quarterback. He can manage the game but will not consume a highlight reel with spectacular throws. It would be a different conversation if the Commanders traded for Aaron Rodgers or somehow convinced Tom Brady to play one more year.
Will Sam Howell Stop the Commanders’ Quarterback Woes?
Howell started Washington’s regular-season finale last year, making him the eighth quarterback to start for the team since Rivera took over in 2020.
The former North Carolina standout had okay numbers, finishing with 11 completions for 169 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. More importantly, he led the Commanders to a 26-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
The Commanders thought that Carson Wentz would stop the revolving door of quarterbacks. Instead, he is out after one season. Meanwhile, Taylor Heinicke had nice moments for Washington over the last three seasons. He isn’t around, too, after signing with the Atlanta Falcons.
Their departures leave the Commanders with Howell, Brissett, Jake Fromm, and rookie Tim DeMorat. Howell is their best option from the bunch unless he performs otherwise. It’s a tall order that could rest on the young quarterback’s shoulders, especially when you think Washington’s NFC East rivals made the playoffs last season.
But if he wins the job, he will have a talented unit around him. Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson are a formidable backfield tandem, combining over 1,300 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Howell will also have explosive targets in Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Tight end Logan Thomas could also make some damage if defenders chose to leave him open.
Commanders fans are in for a treat if Sam Howell proves to be the long-term answer. Therefore, keeping him on the fantasy football radar would be wise, hoping he would pan out.
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