Commanders GM Martin Mayhew Has 'Confidence And Belief' In Sam Howell

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has impressed general manager Martin Mayhew since they drafted him in 2022.

Sam Howell's connection to the Washington Commanders began long before they drafted him in 2022. 

It was Commanders receiver Dyami Brown's pro day at the University of North Carolina. While Washington's brass was there to scout the dynamic receiver, Howell caught general manager Martin Mayhew's eye with his arm strength and accuracy.

Two years after that pro day, things have come full circle with Howell as the Commanders' starting quarterback.

"When I first saw him live was at Dyami's pro day," Mayhew said on Tuesday. "The confidence in himself to go out and throw in a pro day, you don't see that very often. I've been to a lot of pro days, and you see a lot of quarterbacks who are coming out the next year stand and watch. He went out and put it on the line in front of everybody."

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Howell further impressed Mayhew with his play in the preseason. He was 19 of 25 for 188 yards and threw two touchdowns on Aug. 21 against the Baltimore Ravens. The second-year quarterback also had a strong showing against the Cleveland Browns a week prior, completing 9 of 12 passes for 77 yards and one touchdown. 

His performance against Cleveland was impressive for Mayhew because he led Washington to score on his final drive after they didn't find the end zone in his first two possessions. 

"First two drives don't go well, I've seen guys go in the tank," Mayhew said. "He came out that third drive and showed what he's all about. I have a lot of confidence in him and a lot of belief in him."

Along with the arm talent, Howell's ability to create with his legs and improvise has further proved Mayhew's faith in the fifth-round pick.

"The one thing he does well that I think has been not talked about as much is he has the ability to create things off schedule," Mayhew said. "When things break down, he has the athleticism to get out of the pocket [and] to find the guy downfield or to scramble for a first down." 

Howell will make his second career NFL start in Week 1 when the Commanders play the Arizona Cardinals at Fed Ex Field on Sept. 10 at 1 p.m.