Washington Commanders' Sam Howell Has 'Complete Understanding' of Offense, Says Eric Bieniemy

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has shown good progression throughout the season, and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is happy with his attention to detail on offense.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has taken everything in his stride during the season's first nine weeks. Some of it is good, some of it not so good, but it is all part of the learning process for the former North Carolina star.

With each passing week, Howell shows his development and comfort level within Eric Bieniemy's offense. He has led the Commanders to a 4-5 record after snapping a two-game losing streak with a 20-17 win over the New England Patriots.

Regarding what Bieniemy has liked regarding Howell's development, it is all about understanding the finer details of the offense.

“You know what, Sam is right where he needs to be, just like I say, each and every week," Bieniemy said. "Every week he's growing with the offense. He's doing a heck of a job as a leader. Obviously, it's always been important to him because he takes work home, he studies. He's a humble, hardworking kid that just wants to do it the right way. And so, as far as his pre-snap reads and everything, I think he's just doing a great job of just having a complete understanding of what he's looking at."

Part of Howell's "complete understanding" is that his protection now seems far better than in previous weeks.

Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy likes Sam Howell's (14) understanding of the offense / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

After being a lamb to the slaughter, as in each of the first seven games, he was sacked at least four times in each. But over the last two games, things have changed to the point where Howell was only sacked once against the Philadelphia Eagles and three times against the Patriots.

But what does Bieniemy attribute to the offensive line's better protection of Howell?

“I attribute that to our coaching staff doing a great job getting these guys ready," Bieniemy said. "[Offensive Line Coach] Travelle Wharton and [Run Game Coordinator] Juan Castillo are two pretty good O-line coaches. On top of that, just making sure that everybody's on the same page. I think our players have done a heck of a job protecting the quarterback. And the quarterback has done a great job of getting rid of the football. So right now, I think we're in a good place now. We just got to continue moving forward.”

Washington's protection of Howell will get a serious test at Lumen Field against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, as Pete Carroll's team will want a bounce-back effort after their humbling at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.

Howell and the Commanders have shown progression this season, but against the Seahawks in hostile territory, the newfound confidence in the offensive line's protection will be severely tested.