Commanders QB Sam Howell 'Blessed' For Starting Opportunity Under Eric Bieniemy

Sam Howell is entering just his second season in the NFL and has already been handed the keys to the offense by coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

They say life comes at you fast, which rings true for Washington Commanders second-year quarterback Sam Howell. 

After being taken in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Commanders, Howell played one game in his rookie season, a 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18.

Now, with two veterans in Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke both being moved on, Howell is the leading man, and he still can't believe he's in the position he is.

"Obviously, it's awesome, it's a great opportunity for me, and I'm just super blessed to be in the position I am," Howell said. "I think a lot of people probably wouldn't have expected this outcome, but I'm just gonna try to do everything I can to just take this opportunity and just try to take advantage of it. I'm gonna give this team and give this organization everything that I have and just try to do everything I can to help this team win."

Having showcased some of his ability throughout last season during practice, Howell got the nod against the Cowboys in Week 18 and, for the most part, played some good football ... but that was a free hit.

Now, as the offensive starter, a lot more is expected of him, with new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy already laying down the law in terms of standards.

"I think we've made a lot of progress already, and EB [Eric Bieniemy] 's doing a really good job, and he just cares about the details," Howell said. "It's just so much fun to play for a guy like that. He's very hard on us, and he sets a high standard. We want to be coached hard and wanna play for someone that has a high standard. It's been good."

While it is early during the offseason, and OTA's are still no more than a walkthrough, Howell is feeling good thus far and is coming to grips with what Bieniemy and head coach Ron Rivera want from him.

There is a long way to go, and some have called it a gamble, but from all accounts, Howell has hit the ground running as the leading man in Washington.

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