Commanders QB Sam Howell Year 2: Good, Bad & 'Ugly' Moments Expected?

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is one of five second-year quarterbacks expected to start next season.

The Washington Commanders' hopes for the 2023 season rest in the hands of quarterback Sam Howell. 

If the Commanders are going to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020, they'll need Howell to make the second-year jump many quarterbacks make. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes won an MVP in his second year, and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow led his team to the Super Bowl. 

But what are realistic expectations for Washington's quarterback?

Bleacher Report broke down its expectations for Howell. They had the second-year quarterback throwing 15 touchdowns and 15 interceptions for 3,277 yards and completing 62 percent of his passes. They also had the former fifth-round pick rushing for 375 yards and four touchdowns. 

"Howell is going to have some great moments," Bleacher Report writes. "His rushing ability stood out at North Carolina, and his tools generated some first-round hype before his final college season. But there's also going to be some ugly moments. Howell ended up as a fifth-round pick for a reason. He's going to remind fans of both sides of the coin as he adjusts to life as an NFL starter."

While comparing Howell's potential jump in Year 2 to Mahomes' isn't fair, both will have had Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator for their first season as a starter. And like Mahomes, Howell has proven weapons and a play-caller that can help elevate him.

"Eric Bieniemy will be looking to prove something after his stint as the offensive coordinator with the Chiefs," Bleacher Report writes. "The infrastructure is in place for a quarterback to prove himself."

If Howell's performance in the lone start of his career is any indication, Washington may have its guy. But if the ups and downs are much like the Commanders' previous guys under center, heads will likely roll and the search for a franchise quarterback will continue. 

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