Sam Howell made his second NFL start for the Washington Commanders against the Arizona Cardinals last week. Fortunately for Howell, he finished the game after a clear and dirty hit from Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White midway through the first quarter.
Here’s the play.
Here’s the brutal, late, head-to-head hit on Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell by Arizona Cardinals LB Kyzir White. 👀👇 pic.twitter.com/5PADBhy1CR
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) September 10, 2023
NFL officials quickly penalized White and the Cardinals for the hit. Howell’s teammates were unhappy, and a brief scuffle ensued on the sideline.
As expected, the hit proved costly for White, who was fined $18,056 for the unnecessary roughness penalty.
The NFL fined #Cardinals LB Kyzir White $18,056 for unnecessary roughness – lowering the head to initiate forcible contact on #Commanders QB Sam Howell in last week’s opener. pic.twitter.com/1rM7luybog
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 16, 2023
Washington fans were incensed, wanting White removed from the game. Howell would also suffer another big hit later in the game.
Howell played the entire game, completing 19 of 31 passes for 202 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for the game-winning score.
Howell and the Commanders face the Denver Broncos in Week 2.