Commanders' Sam Howell 'Gives Us a Chance,' Says Terry McLaurin
It has been an offseason full of change for the Washington Commanders' offense.
Sam Howell will likely become the Commanders' sixth different starting quarterback in as many seasons. Washington also has a new offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, who will be the offensive play caller.
One constant outside of Washington's change on offense has been wide receiver, Terry McLaurin. McLaurin praised Howell's play throughout the offseason and his ability to pick up Bieniemy's offense in an interview on Washington's YouTube channel.
"He showed some great signs of growth against Dallas last year and now for this whole season, we get to see what he does," McLaurin said. "He has a quiet command about him. He comes into the huddle, he knows what he's doing, he's super smart, [and] he's picked up the system really well. At the end of the day, he's going to give us a chance to make plays on the outside."
Howell made his lone start of the 2022 season in week 18 against the Cowboys. He completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. He also ran for 35 yards and one score.
McLaurin had three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown against Dallas.
McLaurin has consistently produced no matter who is under center for the Commanders. The fifth-year wide receiver has had over 1,000 receiving in three straight seasons, including a career-high 1,191 in 2022. McLaurin's play last season earned him the first Pro Bowl appearance of his career.
Since Howell has taken the reins, McLaurin said his ability to find the target consistently has caught the wide receiver's attention.
"His accuracy is something that really stands out," McLaurin said. "He knows how to hit those hole shots. He can really throw the ball away in man situations, really push the ball through zones and he gives you a chance to catch the ball and run with it."
With that accuracy, McLaurin plus Washington's other top wide receivers, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel, may have a chance to elevate an offense that was 24th in points per game last season.
And if Howell can be that guy for the Commanders, it'll be what McLaurin has been waiting for after four seasons.
"He's going to give us a chance to make plays, and that's what we love. That's all we can ask for."
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