Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has struggled for several weeks now. Howell’s play has led him to be benched in the second half of Washington’s last two games — losses at the Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets.
Through the first 10 weeks, Howell showed plenty of progress. Sure, there were some stinkers, such as his Week 3 performance against Buffalo and Week 7 against the Giants. Still, overall, Howell showed growth each week, making spectacular plays while looking like he could be Washington’s long-term answer under center.
During that period, Howell’s most significant problem was the number of sacks. He was one pace to shatter David Carr’s 21-year-old record of being sacked 76 times in a single season.
Thankfully for Howell, he has fixed that problem, but his overall play has declined in that same period. Is it because we’ve already seen Howell’s ceiling? Are these typical young QB struggles? Is it Washington’s offensive scheme? Are the receivers getting enough separation? Is it the pass protection? Or is it a lack of a running game?
These are all pertinent questions to ask about Howell. And, honestly, there is probably some truth in each scenario.
However, those are questions Washington’s next general manager must answer. As for now, it’s up to head coach Ron Rivera to assess why Howell has struggled so badly recently.
“No, it doesn’t, and he’s got a very good body of work,” Rivera said Wednesday when asked if Howell’s recent struggles change his view of Howell as a long-term NFL starting quarterback.
“I mean, things have gone relatively well early in the season and into the middle. But it’s been tough the last couple of weeks. The last few weeks have been tough on him.”
Does Rivera have an answer for Howell’s recent struggles?
“He’s taken a lot of snaps, the length of the season, obviously probably wearing on him as well as the number of plays he’s had and the number of hits he’s had to absorb. So, you know, like I said, these are points that are all for discussion.”
In case you’re curious, Howell has been hit 112 times and sacked 60 times. That’s a lot. Some of those are on Howell for holding the ball too long. Obviously, some are due to poor pass protection at times.
Howell wouldn’t be the first young quarterback to be hit so often that it stunted his development. Some quarterbacks recover, others don’t.
Rivera also seemed to agree with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s assertion that Howell is pressing.
“I think right now you watch him, and he’s trying to make the perfect play,” Rivera said. “I think he’s reading a little bit more into some of the things that he sees out there. I think he’s just got to settle in and trust what he’s seeing initially and stick with the offense.”
Rivera refused to name a starter for Sunday’s Week 17 game, but all indications point to the Commanders turning to Jacoby Brissett. Considering Washington plays the 49ers and Cowboys over the final two games, going to Brissett may be what’s best for Howell.
Brissett spoke Sunday about his conversations with Howell. He is encouraged about his future and believes what he’s going through now will only make him better in the future.