Commanders QB Watch: Sam Howell a Mixed Bag to Start Mandatory Minicamp

Entering the next event of the offseason Washington Commanders quarterback had some bright moments, and some not-so-bright ones, on the first day of mandatory minicamp.

ASHBURN, Va. -- While Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera insists the starting quarterback job is not Sam Howell's just yet, the second-year pro once again dominated first-team reps as the team started its mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.

In his first opportunity to lead the Commanders starters in 11-on-11 drills, Howell completed three of four passes including one to receiver Curtis Samuel out of the slot and a completed throw to a comeback route after receiver Marcus Kemp put the brakes on rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes to get free. 

His first pass of the session fell incomplete, but likely would have drawn a flag in-game due to Forbes grabbing hold of receiver Terry McLaurin's jersey as he ran his route. 

While there's no hitting the quarterback this time of year newly reported defensive end Chase Young was able to penetrate the offensive line for what would have resulted in a sack otherwise. 

The most impressive throw of the set came on the final snap when Forbes came off the defense's left edge on a corner blitz and ran straight at his quarterback. 

Unphased, Howell calmly found the appropriate arm slot to get the ball past the blitzing corner and into the hands of Kemp on the right sideline for a solid completion to conclude the drill. 

He finished three of four passes in five snaps with the one 'sack' preventing him from having a fifth pass attempt according to our tracking. 

In fact, in three of the four 11-on-11 sets, Howell completed 75 percent of his passes. 

The only anomaly came in the first team's third time up in the drill where Howell completed just one of five pass attempts and was intercepted on his fourth.

Granted, the interception was a better play by defensive back Rachad Wildgoose who deflected the pass, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson who fielded the errant pass, nobody wants to see a stat line like that in practice or otherwise. 

The good news for Washington is Howell continues to look sharp in both ball placement and decision-making, overall. 

And he's continuing to learn on the job on a daily basis.

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

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