Commanders QB Sam Howell: 'Make-or-Break' Season in 2023?

You wouldn't think a fifth-round pick quarterback like Sam Howell would be in a make or break year in just his second season, but with the Washington Commanders anything is possible.

There's no shortage of people who doubt the Washington Commanders are making the right decision by giving the second-year quarterback his shot at being the leader of the team this season. 

But with the opportunity for Howell comes a lot of pressure for him to perform or face being demoted to Commanders backup duties for up to three years before he gets another chance. 

That's a lot of pressure, and it's the reason NFL.com's Bucky Brooks names him one of nine quarterbacks in the league facing make-or-break seasons. 

"Credit Ron Rivera and Co. for putting their fate in the hands of a second-year pro with a single start on his resume," says Brooks. "Howell certainly flashed solid skills as a game manager in that start...but it is impossible to know if the North Carolina product is going to be the guy until he plays a full slate of games. Yet, the two-time NFL Coach of the Year believes in the former fifth-rounder and is willing to give him a chance to earn the job as the long-term answer, with free-agent signee Jacoby Brissett in place as QB2...the pressure is on Howell to show up and show out with a supporting cast that includes talented receiving trio Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel."

It's a little insane to think a second-year quarterback that was drafted by Washington in the fifth round of last year's NFL Draft is already in a make-or-break season, but with the atmosphere around the franchise what it is it's certainly not surprising. 

The good news for Howell is that quarterbacks survive ownership changes much more often than head coaches do. 

But before he can worry about that, he first has to keep his hands on the Commanders' starting quarterback job.

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

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