Commanders QB Sam Howell 'Grateful for Opportunity' After Being Named Week 1 Starter
ASHBURN, Va. -- It was a foregone conclusion to everyone consistently in attendance during Washington Commanders training camp that quarterback Sam Howell was destined to lead his team into the regular season.
Regardless of how sure we were that this was the inevitable ending of this team's quarterback competition, Commanders coach Ron Rivera waited until just before the team's second preseason contest to make it official.
"I talked with [assistant head coach and offensive coordinator] Eric Bieniemy and [quarterbacks coach] Tavita [Pritchard] yesterday and after our first preseason game, after both joint practices I'm going to name Sam Howell our starter this year going forward," coach Rivera said Friday ahead of the team's 18th practice of training camp.
In his preseason debut as the first-team quarterback Howell and the starters got three drives worth of playtime.
The first drive ended in a punt after seven plays gained the Washington offense 20 yards while the second ended in a safety after a hold in the endzone was called on right guard Andrew Wylie.
On the third drive, Howell led a 10-play 80-yard march down the field that culminated with a 26-yard pass to second-year receiver Jahan Dotson.
That was it for the starters, and between that, several training camp practices, and an overall successful visit to Owings Mills, Maryland for joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens, the Commanders have found their starting quarterback.
"A lot of excitement," Howell said when asked about his emotions following the decision. "I'm just super grateful for the opportunity that coach is giving me...there's so many guys here that have helped me in my development and my career that have ultimately led to the position I'm in today."
In his first practice as the official starter, Howell completed 11 of his 15 pass attempts in 11-on-11 team drills with several smart and accurate throws that have become fuel for the growing following he has from fans, and endorsements from the media.
His best two throws of the day came in 7-on-7s though as he connected with star receiver Terry McLaurin deep in the end zone for a touchdown over three Commanders defenders, and then later to receiver Jahan Dotson for a nice crossing pattern that also resulted in an explosive play.
It's been one of those days for Howell and his team as excitement continues to grow with just one practice left between him and his next preseason start on Monday night.
And that's our Howell-heavy training camp notebook for Day 18, in Ashburn, Virginia.
Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.
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