Commanders Coach Ron Rivera Already Seeing 'Improvement' in QB Sam Howell

The Commanders are just starting OTA's but Ron Rivera has already noticed improvements in Sam Howell's game.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is slowly adjusting to life as an NFL starter. While Howell hasn't "won" the job yet, for many, it is a mere formality that he will get first crack.

Currently getting first-team reps, Howell is taking everything in his stride, and head coach Ron Rivera has already noticed little difference's in Howell's game as OTA's get underway.

"Well, one of the things that we talked about last year, we talked about footwork and stuff like that, and you really see the improvement in those details," Rivera said. "He's got a great sense and feel for what Coach [Eric] Bieniemy wants and, in fact, all the quarterbacks too. I think having Jacoby [Brissett] out here pushing him and working with him at the same time has been a really good thing because you do see his growth."

Improvement is what the Commanders coaching staff and offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy want to see from Howell. 

After getting a glimpse of what he can do in Week 18 of last year in the 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys, now it is time for Howell to build on it. With Jacoby Brissett as his backup, the second-year quarterback has a veteran to lean on in tough times.

There will no doubt be growing pains though, as during practice, Howell threw an ill-advised ball in the red zone that was intercepted. The former North Carolina quarterback didn't chase after the defender, and Bieniemy gave him a talking to.

"You threw it; you go get it!" Bieniemy yelled at Howell.

It's all about learning for the Washington offense, and even though it is early, there have been promising signs, but there is still a long way to go.

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