Commanders QB Sam Howell Off to Good Start at OTA's

Commanders second-year quarterback Sam Howell has been given the keys to the offense and in his first OTA practice in Eric Bieniemy's offense, he showed promising signs.

The Washington Commanders have officially begun OTA's, and that marks the start of second-year quarterback Sam Howell's stint as an impending starter.

After Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz were shown the door, Howell has been thrust into the starting role (for now). Washington signed Jacoby Brissett to back up Howell as the quarterback room has an entirely different look.

So, how did Howell fare in his first OTA under the guidance of Eric Bieniemy? In short, superb.

Per the team's official website, Howell was in his element, taking the reps as part of the first team. The former North Carolina quarterback featured in the 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills with only four incompletions for the day, with his accuracy and his arm talent on the show already. Oh, and he also had a 30-yard dart to Curtis Samuel as well.

We know that most will take this with a grain of salt, but it is crucial for Howell to get comfortable in Bieniemy's system, and getting off to a good start is promising.

Laying the foundation in OTA's is crucial to Washington's offense playing the way Bieiemy wants to. With several weapons looking to build chemistry with the second-year quarterback, in particular Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and running back Brian Robinson Jr., the Commanders can feel good, even if it is the first day of OTA's.

Much has been made of Washington's decision not to draft a quarterback and nail their colors to Howell's mast next season. After showing promise in the Week 18 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys, we know that Howell can hold his own in the league.

But with a full offseason of first-team reps to be under his belt, perhaps the Commanders, with Howell under center, could surprise a few people next season.

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