Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has been sacked 34 times through six games. If Howell continues at the current pace, he will shatter Derek Carr’s 2002 record of 76 sacks in one season.
The 3-3 Commanders face the New York Giants in Week 7. This will be Howell’s first career start against Big Blue.
Howell is 1-1 in his short career against NFC East foes, as he almost led Washington to an upset win over the Eagles in Week 4.
Howell recently spoke with Kay Adams of FanDuel on an episode of “Up and Adams,” where he discussed everything, including the sacks.
“That’s the worst part about sacks, is like, it looks like it’s just on the O-line, but I think at the end of the day, I’m the one who has the ball in my hand, and I’m the one has the ability to throw the ball before I get hit,” Howell said.
“That’s the reality of it, and I think a lot of those sacks that we’ve had so far have been opportunities where I could’ve gotten rid of the football. So it’s just an area where I’m trying to continue to grow and trying to continue to find ways to either find a short completion or throw it away. One of those two things, and I think it’s just a part of my game where I know I can improve, so it’s been kinda fun to come in each and every day and try to learn from those things and try to get better.”
That’s an impressive answer. Remember back in 2014 when Robert Griffin III essentially blamed his teammates after an awful performance?
“If you want to look at the good teams in this league and the great quarterbacks, the Peytons (Manning) and the Aaron Rodgers, those guys don’t play well if their guys don’t play well,” Griffin said at the time per NFL.com.
It’s safe to say you’ll never hear anything like that from Howell.
About his offensive line, Howell praised the group blocking for him.
“Those guys up front have done a heckuva job,” Howell said. “I think when you kind of look at numbers as far as how those guys are protecting across the league, they’re fine. They’re doing a good job. The sack numbers are higher than what they should be, and that’s because I need to do a better job of helping those guys out. I love those guys, and they fight and give it their all on every single play. I’ve just got to do my part.”
That’s as impressive as an answer you’ll find on any football-related topic from a young quarterback.
Howell has shown many traits of a franchise quarterback. If he can get the sack numbers down, there’s no question that Washington has finally found its guy as it moves into a new era.