Ron Rivera made it quite clear last season that poor QB play was the only thing holding back the Washington Commanders.
The team looked much better with Taylor Heinicke under center, but it’s not like Carson Wentz had set the bar that high anyway.
The Commanders were linked with multiple QBs in the NFL Draft and free agency this offseason, including Lamar Jackson, but they decided to sit tight and watch what they had on their hands with Sam Howell.
And according to star WR Terry McLaurin, via NFL.com, the second year signal-caller has already “grabbed the bull by the horns” in the offseason.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin says QB Sam Howell has "taken the bull by the horns" this offseasonhttps://t.co/qL1u4TwIDe pic.twitter.com/tbiHzi9aW2
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 31, 2023
Howell had a solid career with the UNC Tar Heels, and he did impress in his lone start last year in the season finale, but there were some serious doubts about his ability to thrive as a starter in the league.
He was a bit of a work in progress, albeit the physical traits were more than evident during his days in college.
Howell is fully expected to be the team’s QB for the foreseeable future, but we know how fast expectations can change for young quarterbacks, so the lack of internal competition shouldn’t make him feel relaxed at all.
The Commanders will play in one of the most competitive divisions in the league again, and while they’re obviously not on the same level as the Philadelphia Eagles — few teams are — they expect to be on the mix for a postseason berth with Howell leading the way.
NEXT: Ron Rivera Reveals Chase Young's Thoughts On His Contract Situation
