Sam Howell Reveals Mental Challenges as Commanders' Starter

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell had a tough first season as a starter and he revealed how he kept his head above water with some of the challenges he faced as QB1.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was named the starter in the preseason and managed to play all 17 regular season games...but it wasn't smooth sailing.

It comes with the territory as a quarterback in the NFL but Howell dealt with his fair share of challenges as the Commanders would finish the season on an eight-game losing streak and have a 4-13 record.

Given that Howell had just one regular season start prior to Week 1, it was always going to be an uphill battle for the former North Carolina standout, but it was his mental fortitude that kept him level-headed when things got tough.

"I mean, I think I've always been pretty focused," Howell said. "It's kind of something that's come natural to me just being able to stay focused on the task at hand and you know take it one week at a time. The good thing about this league is if you have a bad game, you got another game the next week, so you got to have a quick turnaround and set your focus to the next game. I think when you have that take it one day at a time approach it's easy to get through.”

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Howell's approach to the game had led to defensive tackle Jonathan Allen stating: “I feel like we found our quarterback for the next 5-10 years, and I truly believe that," but going forward, it might not be that clear cut.

Despite Howell showing promise as the team's starter, given the Commanders' poor season, they now have the No. 2 overall pick and with the draft littered with talented quarterbacks, Howell's tenure as starter might be shortlived.

Commanders' Sam Howell Reveals Offseason Plans

But for now, Howell's focus remains on growing as a quarterback and teammate this offseason as he intends to sit down and watch each of his 17 games and see where he can improve.

Howell stated that his mental approach helped him navigate the trials and tribulations, and given what could be on the horizon, he might need to call on his mental toughness once again.