Commanders Notebook: QB Sam Howell Throws First Training Camp Interception

Day 3 of Washington Commanders training camp was a bounce back for quarterback Sam Howell is some ways and not so much in others. And the third-team offense takes the top play of the day.

ASHBURN, Va. -- Our third day at Washington Commanders training camp brought more fans, more heat, and quarterback Sam Howell's first interception of the preseason.

Before we get to our Howell watch, however, we need to discuss the running back usage in the Commanders' new scheme under assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

RUNNING IT BACK?

Could the second running back become the top one again? 

Speaking with several other media members in attendance during practice many of us believe it's Antonio Gibson and not Brian Robinson Jr. that fits the history of successful running backs under Eric Bieniemy's tutelage. 

That being said Robinson himself is certainly being pushed outside of the usual between-the-tackles one-cut style we're accustomed to. 

In fact, on several occasions, Robinson has made some highly athletic and cheer-inspiring catches. 

"I've been able to catch the ball," Robinson said about the shift in his usage. "Obviously, it's a scheme thing (and) whatever E.B. wants me to do (I'm going to do)...Biggest thing for me out there is I don't want to be one-dimensional."

Still, it's hard to deny Gibson's fit for Bieniemy's scheme and if he finds a groove we may see more from the self-proclaimed third-down back than previously anticipated.

JAKE FROM STATE FROMM DELIVERS

After Howell and the first day took the play of the day on Day 1 second-team quarterback Jacoby Brissett won it on Day 2. 

So, who else would win it on Day 3 but third-team quarterback Jake Fromm?

During his final 11-on-11 session of the day, Fromm launched a deep ball to receiver Zion Bowens hitting him in stride running away for a 50-yard touchdown connection.

It's a pass that would remind any Georgia Bulldogs fan of National Championships past and was certainly a good way for Fromm to put his stamp on the day.

HOWELL WATCH

In 11-on-11 drills on Friday Howell completed 14 of his 17 pass attempts which is a big jump from his sub-50 percent performance the day prior. 

Speaking to Howell after practice he told us he feels good and is getting more and more comfortable with the scheme every day. 

If we had one critique to mention from the day it's that his misses on Friday were of a lesser quality where previous throwaways to avoid pressure were replaced by high balls that simply missed his receivers. 

Still, it's hard to find too many flaws in an 82 percent performance. 

In 7-on7 drills things were a little less proficient and Howell threw his first interception of camp, picked off by veteran safety Kamren Curl.

All in all as we near the end of Week 1 at Commanders' training camp it's been a fruitful experience with growth happening on both sides of the ball.

There's one more day left in Week 1 for Washington and the anticipation of pads coming on for the first time is already growing, and Commander Country will be on the ground to share the sights and sounds through it all.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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