Commanders' Sam Howell Has 'Smart Football Mind!'

Commanders second-year quarterback Sam Howell is getting first crack at the starting job and head coach Ron Rivera has detailed what he likes mentally from his quarterback.

Washington Commanders second-year quarterback Sam Howell is looking to establish himself as the starter in Eric Bieniemy's offense. After only playing one regular season game in his rookie season (Week 18 vs. the Cowboys), Howell now gets a shot at the job full-time.

With training camp now in fill-go mode as the pads come out, head coach Ron Rivera has detailed what Howell's mentality has been like this offseason.

“Very smart football minded young man," Rivera said. "A little quiet in terms of that, but for the most part, his football acumen was very good.”

Jacoby Brissett is also the other quarterback vying for the starting job. From the outside, Howell looks to have the inside track as Washington is now at the stage where they have to see what they have in their young quarterback.

But how does Howell see what is currently presented in front of him?

“The way I look at it is, it's a great opportunity for me with the position I'm in to really compete here and be the starter of this year," Howell said. "It's a great opportunity for me to go out there and just show what I can do."

Howell has shown flashes of his talent during training camp, and while there have been down moments, it is all a steep learning curve for the former North Carolina star

Training camp is now in full swing, and Howell needs to show the coaching staff that he is ready to assume the QB1 mantle. But what is Rivera looking for in Howell right now?

“More than anything else is consistent play and growth," Rivera said.

So the foundation is being built in Bieniemy's offense, and now it is up to Howell to take this opportunity with both hands. It's there for him, he just has to seize it, and his smart football brain might just allow him to do so.

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