Whether you’ve been in Ashburn for Washington Commanders training camp or watched clips of practice on social media, one constant has been quarterback Sam Howell on the run.
Not all of that is by design.
Yes, new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will call some designed runs for Howell. There will be more RPO for Howell, and Bieniemy will also move the pocket for Howell at times. Some of that is part of Bieniemy’s offense, while some of it will be to protect the offensive line.
The only returning starter for Washington in 2023 from last season’s offensive line is left tackle Charles Leno Jr. Sam Cosmi is back, but he’s now the starting right guard. The Commanders will have new starters at four different positions.
Some of that is good news. Did you watch Washington’s offensive line last season? The Commanders can’t be any worse on the offensive line in 2023. Can they?
Washington is learning a new offense with Bieniemy. So, in addition to breaking in four new starters, the offensive line is trying to gel while adjusting to a new scheme. And they are battling one of the NFL’s top defensive lines each day in practice.
John Keim of ESPN had the following observation Friday after a rough practice for the offense.
On Friday, it was more of the same as the line applied consistent pressure on Howell. It leads to frustration — indeed, after one play, right guard Sam Cosmi body slammed defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis to the ground. Cosmi later said they’re not “taking crap” from anyone. The line has done fine in the run game, but in order for Howell to succeed they must start to mesh in protection. Last year’s group allowed pressure on 32.9% of the snaps — only six teams were worse. The new group can’t repeat that ineptitude.
The troubling part of Washington’s protections issues is the impact it could have on Howell. How many times in franchise history has a lack of protection ruined a young quarterback? Howell has potential, but he needs help. If the offensive line can’t protect Howell and he struggles, then would the Commanders mark the Howell experience as a failure and look to select another quarterback in 2024?
So much is on the shoulders of Howell and Bieniemy in 2023. But if the offensive line can’t win consistently in pass protection, it may not matter what Howell does.
We are nine days into training camp. Washington hasn’t even scrimmaged against another team yet. There is absolutely no need to panic. However, it’s fair to view pass protection as a concern until the Commanders show otherwise when the games begin.