Commander Country

WATCH: Commanders Sam Howell Sparkles in First Half vs. Ravens

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell showed why Ron Rivera's decision to name him the starter was the right one as he again looked at home leading the offense.

Adam Schultz

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After being named the Washington Commanders' starting quarterback midweek, Sam Howell picked up where he left off against the Cleveland Browns in Game 1 of the Commanders' preseason schedule against the Baltimore Ravens.

Howell led a 14-play opening drive which unfortunately stalled in the red zone. He would go 5 of 6 for 54 yards which included a 3rd-and-15 conversion to young tight end Cole Turner to keep the chains moving.

The second-year quarterback showed good poise in the pocket and hit Turner and Terry McLaurin for big gains as they answered Baltimore's opening touchdown drive with a field goal. 

Howell looked comfortable and poised in the pocket as he wasn't afraid to look for the deep ball, and conversely, when the deep shot wasn't available, Howell was more than happy to complete several check-downs to his running backs. 

Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson were constant safety valves for Howell as he kept things simple, and it allowed the offense to move the chains.

With the second half drawing to a close, Howell led a touchdown drive that ended with a pass to running back Gibson, who brutally forced his way into the endzone.

The second-year quarterback then led another late first-half drive that led to a touchdown grab to Dyami Brown as he sprayed the ball around, with Jahan Dotson being a key part, grabbing several catches as he caught five passes for 75 yards for the half.

Howell would finish the first half going 19 of 25 for 187 yards and two touchdowns as he looks every part the starting quarterback Washington thought he would be.

Yes, it's only preseason, but Howell has gotten off to the best start possible, but now it has to translate into the regular season.

If there were any doubts over Howell being the Commanders starter, they have well and truly been put to bed.

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Adam Schultz
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