Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell’s ‘Confidence Starting to Really Show’

With eight games left in the season Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is growing on a weekly basis and coach Ron Rivera is pleased with his development.

It wasn’t that long ago Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was coming off the field of his first 300-yard passing game in a 40-20 loss to the Chicago Bears. 

Following the Commanders 20-17 win over the New England Patriots, however, Howell is coming off his third and the second of back-to-back 300+ passing yard performances.

Better yet, Washington got the win this time, and coach Ron Rivera is starting to see the holistic development out of Howell he’s been waiting to see in his first season as a starting quarterback.

“You can see now the trust and comfort level that he’s starting to develop and grow,” Rivera said of Howell. “But also you can see the comfort level which he’s executing the play call, how he’s involved in the protections…checking with the receivers and changing routes and stuff like that. It’s taken a little bit to get there. We kind of figured it would take some time (and) didn’t expect him to take as man hits early on. But I think what’s happening is I think the confidence is starting to really show and I think that’s important.”

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (left) throws a pass against the New England Patriots (right) / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Some of his growth is new, but what isn’t is Howell’s ability to produce and the offense’s capability of producing points, even if the consistency in doing so is only now starting to be achieved. 

Howell is currently the NFL’s second-leading passer behind just Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and leads the league with 235 completions so far this season.

While he’s also top 10 with nine passing touchdowns, he’s also in a four-way tie for the NFL’s most interceptions thrown this season as well.

Of course, Howell is also the most sacked quarterback in the league today, but that lead has shrunk a bit over the past couple of weeks after being sacked just four times in the past two games.

As the development of the young quarterback continues the hope is that the Commanders’ ability to win will too.

With four wins and five losses Washington is currently eighth place in the NFC Playoff picture with a valuable opportunity to gain ground against the Seattle Seahawks - who will be a player in the NFC Wild Card race - coming up in Week 10.