Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Howell On Interceptions: 'Got To Do A Better Job!'

After throwing a league-high 21 interceptions last season, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell is determined to take better care of the ball going forward.

Nov 12, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) passes / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Sam Howell's first full season as an NFL starter was a roller coaster, but featured more downs than ups overall.

The 23-year-old started all 17 games for the Washington Commanders and completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 3,964 yards with 21 touchdowns and a league-high 21 interceptions. Keep in mind, Howell through 612 passes last season, which is absurdly-high for any quarterback let alone a first-year starter.

Now, Howell has a chance at a fresh start following a trade to the Seattle Seahawks. He looks to be the backup to Geno Smith, but it's still an exciting new opportunity for the youngster.

Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14). / Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Above everything else, though, Howell wants to make sure he takes better care of the ball than he did last season.

“Obviously the interceptions, I’ve just got to do a better job,” Howell said Wednesday on Seattle Sports' Brock & Salk. “There were some times where we were down in some games and I was just trying to be a little aggressive and at times maybe just tried to do a little too much, trying to give us a chance. But I’ve got to be smarter, got to play smarter football, got to play winning football. And at times I was doing it, so just doing it at a more consistent rate. And I feel confident about my ability to do that. It’s just a matter of if I get an opportunity I’ve got to go out there and show it.”

Howell may not be starting in Seattle, but learning from Smith, a quarterback he greatly respects, should be a valuable learning experience for the young signal-caller. If the opportunity arises, though, Howell will be ready.

“Obviously Geno’s still the guy and I’m gonna try to do everything I can to just come in and work and just try to get better,” Howell said. “And it’s got to be a good teammate and support Geno and do whatever I can to help the team win. But at the same time, always trying to compete and every single time I step out on the field, I’m always trying to show these guys what I can do and what I’m capable of.”