Washington Commanders Not Putting a Timeline on QB Sam Howell's Development

While Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell continues his growth in the NFL, coach Ron Rivera isn't putting a deadline on maxing out his potential.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is less than 10 starts into his NFL career and currently has a winning record dating back to Week 18 of last season when he led a victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

As we previously covered, the Commanders announced last week Howell became the most productive quarterback in franchise history through seven starts with 1,669 yards passing.

The record-setting production hasn't come without some pitfalls along the way including a current sack total (34) that has him on pace to be brought down on nearly 100 dropbacks this season.

While Howell continues to develop he'll also look to lead Washington to its fourth win this season and first against an NFC East foe.

And his coach, Ron Rivera, will continue to exercise patience when it comes to expecting his young quarterback to fully mature.

"I don't think there is a timeline. I really don't," Rivera said when asked about his quarterback's development progress. "That's something I think as a quarterback coach or the coordinator that's something that they're looking for. That obviously would tell them that there's growth. That now, okay, he's starting to feel that, he's starting to understand what the protections mean, starting to understand what it means with this type of route combination. It's a five-step drop as opposed to a seven-step drop. Those are all things that young quarterbacks have to learn and understand. I think that's what we're looking for to see as far as what we're looking at to see the growth."

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) passes over Atlanta Falcons linebacker Bud Dupree (48) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Howell has clearly demonstrated the arm talent to succeed in the NFL dating back as far as his rookie camp with the Commanders after being drafted in the fifth round in 2022. 

That combined with his athletic ability to extend plays and run the ball when needed makes him a dual-threat quarterback who keeps defenses on their toes each week. 

All that's missing - or rather, lacking development so far - is his ability to unlock the full mental ability needed to elevate his team on the field.

Reading defenses, setting protections, anticipating coverages, and getting the ball out at the right time are all mental processes that lead to physical success.

As Howell continues to grow there, his play will only get better, and that's good news for Washington as it seeks out its first winning season under coach Rivera.

Howell's quarterback rating has climbed in each of the last three games even though only one of those was a win. 

Two of those three contests saw the quarterback complete over 70 percent of his pass attempts as well, and the amount of sacks he's taken has fallen from six and nine early in the year to five in each of the last three games.

It's not monumental growth, and it's certainly not the peak of Howell's potential, but those are representative of forward progress. 

Progress could see another step taken when the Commanders visit the New York Giants in MetLife Stadium this weekend.