NFL Power Rankings: Commanders 'Difficult to Buy In?'
The Washington Commanders are kicking off training camp with a lot of question marks and pressure surrounding the team.
The biggest question mark of all comes at the quarterback position, where Sam Howell is expected to be the full-time starter, despite starting just one game last season.
Howell showed flashes in the 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys, but that game wasn't enough for people to be confident that he is going to be the next quarterback to lead Washington to the playoffs.
Howell's inexperience is part of the reason why the Commanders are ranked No. 23 in Bleacher Report's latest power rankings.
"It's difficult to buy into anything regarding the Washington Commanders when the organization made the conscious decision to name Sam Howell its starter based on one appearance by last year's 144th overall draft pick," Bleacher Report said.
The Commanders' low ranking isn't about what the team currently has ... a strong defense, talented receivers and new momentum surrounding the organization after former owner Dan Snyder's exit. It's about what the team doesn't have ... a legitimate sure-fire answer at quarterback.
It's a fair criticism for the Commanders and it isn't a knock against them. Washington is trying to give Howell a fair shot before seeking other options. It's only fair for him. And with several hot rookie quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft class, the Commanders have some serious evaluating to do.
But the first to get an evaluation is Howell. If he succeeds, he'll stick on and Washington will move up the power rankings. If he fails, he'll get the hook and Washington will fall down the power rankings ... but possibly up the draft order next April.
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