'He's Learning!' Rivera Reveals Thoughts on Commanders QB Howell's Performance

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera gave an update on quarterback Sam Howell after Week 1's win against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Washington Commanders will have to balance the development of quarterback Sam Howell with competing for a playoff spot this season. On Sunday, they got their first glimpse of what that may look like in a 20-16 win against the Arizona Cardinals.

Of course, a win is a win, but this one remained close throughout. Against an Arizona team projected to own the first-overall pick come April, it didn’t exactly inspire confidence.

The Commanders struggled to pull away, never leading by more than seven. They only out-gained the Cardinals by 38 yards and won the time of possession battle by a little less than three minutes. To some extent, that falls on the shoulders of the quarterback.

Head coach Ron Rivera spoke about Howell’s performance in the victory.

“It’s one of those things where you’re never as bad as you think, and never as good as you think,” Rivera said. “There are some really good things that happened. There was some really good rhythm stuff that was on.”

Howell finished Sunday completing 19 of 31 passes for 202 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Contrary to the rhythm Washington aimed for, he was sacked six times.

Some of that pressure can be attributed to poor offensive line play. A portion was self-inflicted. Rivera was quick to discuss Howell’s progressions as a point of emphasis.

“You could see him getting to his second and third read and getting the ball out in a timely fashion,” Rivera said. “Then there are other times where you saw him get off of one read maybe a little too quick.”

At this point, the ebbs and flows of Howell’s game seem strikingly consistent with other young passers. Perhaps they’re merely growing pains. It’s possible issues with his internal clock are harder to iron out.

Heading into Week 2, the focus is on getting better and finding a way to start 2-0.

“He’s learning,” Rivera said. “It’s just the process now lining up and doing it.”

Howell will be under center for the Commanders in their Week 2 matchup with the Denver Broncos.