Washington Commanders' Sam Howell is 'Unflappable!' Says Jack Del Rio

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has shown good growth in his first season as a starter, with defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio calling him "unflappable."

The Washington Commanders' season hasn't exactly gone according to plan, as the team sits at 4-6, but the decision to go ahead with Sam Howell as the franchise's starting quarterback is one decision that, for the most part, has gone according to plan.

With Howell leading the NFL in passing yards (2,783) and having shown his ability to come through in the clutch for his team, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has had a front-row seat during practice.

But what comes to mind for Del Rio when Howell is mentioned?

“Unflappable, certainly tough, and I think he's got great arm talent," Del Rio said. "I think he can layer the ball. I think he can throw the deep ball. I think he can throw a touch. He's a good player. He's doing a nice job. I'm excited about the way he's trending for us right now. And certainly, for him and his future.”

With Washington needing to bounce back from the 29-26 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Commanders welcome the New York Giants to FedEx Field on Sunday.

Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has called Sam Howell unflappable / © Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY

New York is coming off a brutal 49-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys as Tommy DeVito was thrown in the deep end. With only one real weapon at Brian Daboll's disposal, stopping Saquon Barkley is job No. 1 for Del Rio.

“When you're playing [RB] Saquon Barkley, it's always imperative that you find a way to stop the run, so it starts there," Del Rio said. "I think he's a great player, really gifted. Their [offensive] line is healthier than it's been in a long time. [New York Giants Offensive Line Coach] Bobby Johnson, I worked with Bobby in Oakland, I think he's a terrific coach. I think we'll have our challenges right in front of us.”

The Commanders' defense is currently ranked 31st in the NFL for points allowed per game (27.4), and the Giants have the worst offense in the league for scoring (11.8 points a game). It looks, on paper, at least, to be a favorable matchup.

But for Washington to hold the Giants to a respectable score, it starts with stopping Barkley, and if things do get tough and start to go sideways, then we will see how "unflappable" Howell really is.