Tag: 2021 Washington Football Team

Sam Howell becomes number 8 for Commanders Ron Rivera

Sam Howell becomes the eighth quarterback to start a game for the Commanders under Ron Rivera.

Sam Howell’s jersey number is 14; in addition, he becomes number 8 for Ron Rivera.

Sunday, when Sam Howell gets his first NFL start against NFC East rival Dallas, Howell will be the eighth quarterback to play the position for Washington in Ron Rivera’s three seasons as head coach.

It has been much more crowded behind center for the Burgundy and Gold than the majority of NFL teams. This season saw Rivera go with Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke, Wentz again and now Howell in Sunday’s season finale at FedEx Field.

The 2021 season saw Rivera start Ryan Fitzpatrick, Heinicke, Garrett Gilbert and then Heinicke again. Also, Rivera pulled Heinicke during both losses to the Cowboys, choosing to play Kyle Allen the rest of the way.

Rivera’s first season in Washington was chaotic at quarterback. Rivera started Dwayne Haskins, then benched Haskins for Kyle Allen. Allen broke his ankle, and Rivera bypassed Haskins and went with Alex Smith.

Smith’s limited leg began to break down, and Rivera had to go back to Haskins. Haskins played so poorly that he was benched against the Panthers for Tyler Heinicke. Smith returned to play the season finale in Philadelphia, but the leg so restricted Smith that Rivera gave Heinicke his first start in the playoff game against Tampa Bay.

It’s been a wild and frustrating ride at quarterback for Rivera, perhaps best illustrated by the fact that he traded two second-day draft picks for Wentz. However, after his woeful play in the loss to the Browns, Wentz may likely not even be active in the season finale.

Enter Sam Howell into the quarterback equation. Just this week, one of the more respected analysts of the Commanders, Logan Paulsen, expressed, “From what I’ve seen and what I’ve heard, Sam is not ready”.

Might it be a baptism by fire for Howell against the Cowboys?

As an eighth day begins a new week, here’s to hoping the eighth quarterback for Rivera in Washington, Sam Howell, will mark a new beginning for the Burgundy and Gold.

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Comparing Commanders rosters from 2021 and 2022

Comparing Washington’s 2022 roster to the 2021 version.

Looking at the 53-man roster, have the Commanders made progress from the 2021 season?

Of course, we can’t ultimately be certain because games have never been played on paper. A quick look at the 2021 and 2022 rosters does reveal a few significant differences. Remember, there is also a 16-man practice squad enabling teams to bring up a player on short notice in the event of injury.

Quarterback

Gone from 2021 are Ryan Fitzpatrick and Kyle Allen. Taylor Heinicke remains and the additions made are Carson Wentz and Sam Howell. Wentz brings six seasons of starting experience, and Heinicke gained 16 games of NFL experience in 2021.

Running Back

Antonio Gibson, J D McKissic and Jonathan Williams return, with the big addition being expected starter Brian Robinson Jr, the 2022 third-round selection. Robinson is out at least the first four weeks, recovering from a car jacking and gunshot wounds.

Offensive Line

Washington must replace both starting guards, Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers. New guards in 2022 are Andrew Norwell, Trai Turner and rookie Chris Paul. Tackles returning are Charles Leno, Sam Cosmi and Cornelius Lucas. Chase Roullier, Saahdiq Charles and Wes Schweitzer also return.

Wide Receiver

Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Cam Sims, Dyami Brown and Dax Milne return. Gone are DeAndre Carter and Adam Humphries. First-round draft selection Jahan Dotson is new to the position group.

Tight End

Logan Thomas and John Bates return. Ricky Seals-Jones departed via free agency. Free agent Armani Rogers and fifth-round draft choice Cole Turner are new additions.

Defensive Line

Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill, Daniel Wise and Shaka Toney all return. Chase Young is recovering from an ACL tear and will be out for at least the first four games. Free agent Efe Obada and second-round draft choice Phidarian Mathis are new additions. Gone are reliable defensive tackles Tim Settle and Matt Ioannidis.

Linebacker

Cole Holcomb, Jamin Davis, David Mayo and Jon Bostic return. Gone are De’Jon Harris, Jordan Kunaszyk and Jared Norris who appeared in 2021. Milo Eifler returns, having appeared in 3 games on special teams last year, taking no defensive snaps.

Cornerback

Kendall Fuller, William Jackson III and Benjamin St-Juste return from the 2021 squad. While seventh-round draft choice Christian Holmes and waiver-wire pickups Tariq Castro-Fields and Rachad Wildgoose are 2022 additions. Corn Elder, Danny Johnson and Darryl Roberts all took snaps in 2021, but are not on the roster. Troy Apke was on the 2021 roster, playing special teams.

Safety

Kamren Curl, Darrick Forrest, Bobby McCain and Jeremy Reaves return to the 2022 safety group. Gone are Landon Collins and Deshazor Everett. Fourth-round draft choice Percy Butler joins the position group in 2022.

Specialists

Cameron Cheeseman (long snapper), Tress Way (Punter) and Joey Slye (Kicker) all return. Dustin Hopkins, Chris Blewitt and Brian Johnson each took their turns kicking in 2021 but do not return.

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