The Washington Commanders may boast the worst defense in football this season, but their offense is led by a promising young quarterback in Sam Howell. The former North Carolina Tar Heel is in a tough situation behind a terrible offensive line, but he’s thrown for 18 touchdowns despite being sacked a league-high 58 times.
Howell is only in his second season so he’s still developing as a quarterback, but Sean McVay has come away impressed when watching film of the Commanders signal caller. McVay was asked about Howell’s game during his press conference on Wednesday and he credited not only his athleticism and accuracy, but his ability to create plays off-schedule.
“Oh yeah, he’s a baller,” McVay said. “This guy’s got the ability to create. You can see he sees the field well. He can get through progressions quickly. He can make all the throws. He dissects and recognizes coverage contours quickly and he’s able to deliver the ball accurately. And then when things do go off schedule, he’s got the athleticism and the escape ability to buy time, keep his eyes down the field, and you can see guys understand how to be able to work with him. And they got playmakers all around. Coach (Eric) Bieniemy does a nice job being able to spread the field, but I’m super impressed. We’ve crossed over with them a lot because there’s been a lot of similar opponents. So even when you’re just getting ready from an offensive perspective looking at the other team’s defense, the Washington offense has been in a lot of our breakdowns and you see him and you’re thinking, man, this guy’s making a lot of plays. He’s doing a lot of really impressive things both on schedule and off-schedule. And you see why the people and the players in that organization have such belief in him. And he’s put a lot of really good stuff on tape and he’s dangerous as hell, for sure.”
While there’s been plenty of good from Howell, he’s also thrown an NFL-high 14 interceptions and has taken 10 more sacks than anyone else. And because the Commanders are often playing from behind, while also lacking a consistent ground game, Howell has completed (335) and attempted (509) the most passes in the NFL.
The Rams can’t take this well-rested Commanders team lightly, especially given the extra week of preparation Washington has had thanks to its bye.