Washington Commanders' Eric Bieniemy Reveals Sam Howell 'Assessment' Ahead of Philadelphia Eagles Clash

The Washington Commanders named Sam Howell as the starting quarterback in training camp, and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has offered an assessment of him through seven weeks.

The Washington Commanders made the decision to make Sam Howell the starting quarterback in training camp, and through the first seven weeks, we have seen the ups and downs associated with a young quarterback.

The Commanders currently sit at 3-4 after a poor 14-7 loss to the New York Giants as Howell and the offense struggled to get anything going.

But what does offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy think of his young quarterback through seven games?

“You know what, my assessment is always the same," Bieniemy said. "Sam is in the process where he's having an opportunity to start on a weekly basis. We [are] evaluating everything that he's doing, still seeing him making some improvements, certain things he's not improving upon, but we're going to keep assessing everything as we continue moving forward.” 

Howell has thrown for 1,749 yards, nine touchdowns, and seven interceptions while completing 65.2% of his passes - not great, but not bad either.

But something that has been a blight on the Commanders' offense since Week 1 has been the offensive line's ability to protect their young quarterback.

Sam Howell is the most sacked quarterback through seven games in the NFL / © Eric Hartline, USA TODAY

Through seven weeks, the Washington offensive line has given up 40 sacks, which leads the NFL. In each game, Howell has been sacked at least four times, with the biggest number coming against the Buffalo Bills, as Howell was sacked nine times.

Such is the offensive line's inability to protect the franchise's most prized asset, is Bieniemy thinking about possible changes as we approach the trade deadline?

“Well, first of all, like I said, I got to do a better job," Bieniemy said. "Our coaching staff [has] got to do a better job of making sure that our guys are mentally and physically prepared. Each and every week, we're always evaluating what we need to do. So, that's basically where we are.”

With the Philadelphia Eagles next on the schedule, the defense is ranked third for sacks (24), and if the protection isn't fixed, Howell will again be a lamb to the slaughter.

The Commanders' season is in danger of slipping away, and if Howell doesn't get the protection he needs to make plays consistently, then it is going to be a very long day for Washington on Sunday.

And the "assessment" of Howell won't make for good reading.