Sam Howell 'Ready to Compete' For Starting QB Role, Says Commanders GM

Sam Howell is ready to go and compete for the starting job according to Commanders general manager Martin Mayhew.
In this story:

The Washington Commanders will enter the offseason with a proper quarterback battle between Sam Howell and veteran Jacoby Brissett. With the franchise close to being a playoff team last season, there are expectations surrounding what Washington can produce going forward.

New offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is charged with turning around the 24th-ranked offense in terms of points scored (18.9/g), but who will be the starter come Week 1?

Commanders general manager Martin Mayhew sees a few reasons as to why Howell can become the team's starter next season.

"Yeah, just his demeanor and confidence," Mayhew said at the NFL owners meetings. "It reminded me a little bit of Taylor [Heinicke] from the standpoint of his ability to go out and perform his very best. And then chips fall wherever chips fall. He wasn't necessarily viewing himself as a backup or as a starter. He ready to come and compete."

So, with Howell and Brissett looking to battle it out for the starting job, many think the obvious choice is Howell. In Brissett's case, he is a known commodity in NFL circles, but Washington has the perfect chance to see what they have in Howell.

In his only regular season start against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18 of last season, Howell looked competent in Scott Turner's offense, leading Washington to a resounding 26-6 win.

With both quarterbacks seemingly having something to prove, the competition for the starting job has the potential to bring the best out of both players and in Howell's case, he is more than up for the fight.


Follow Adam Schultz on Twitter

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here


Published