Commanders QB Sam Howell Giving 'Everything I Got' to Win Starting Job

Washington Commanders' second-year quarterback Sam Howell has some experienced competition in veteran Jacoby Brissett, but he's coming into the offseason program with one goal in mind.

The last 24 months have been a whirlwind for Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

Had he come out in the 2021 NFL Draft, he'd have likely been a first-round pick destined to start for a franchise in need of direction. 

And when he became a fifth-round selection by the Commanders the year following his first thoughts went to trusting God and playing the hand he's been dealt the best way he could. 

That approach has resulted in an opportunity this season for Howell to grab the starting job he seemed destined to earn just two years ago. 

"That's what I've been trying to do ever since I got here is get into this opportunity," Howell told Julie Donaldson in a recent interview for the team's website. "I'm definitely going to try to do everything I can to take advantage of it."

Commander Country spoke often to Howell during his rookie season about how he was progressing and learning while taking mental reps on gamedays. 

That development sparked a Week 18 opportunity for Howell to get on the field with the first-team offense and lead Washington to a season-ending win over the fan-hated Dallas Cowboys. 

One of the plays in that game that stood out to new Commanders assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was a touchdown run that led to his team taking a 14-point lead at the end of the third quarter.

That play showed the determination Howell had to succeed, and that same effort is what he plans on giving Washington in order to secure his spot at the top of the quarterback depth chart. 

"This organization is going to get everything I got," Howell said. "I'm just going to give this opportunity everything I have."

Howell also said he believes his offense has all the tools they need to be successful now that the offensive line has been upgraded. 

And with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett in the room, the second-year player will both be pushed by competition, and educated through experience.

Something Howell said he got a lot of from Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz who are both no longer with the team. 

Their departure signaled the arrival of Howell's opportunity, and if he has it his way, it'll be one that no other Commanders quarterback will get for a long time.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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