Tag: Jacoby Brissett QB2

Logan Paulsen: ‘Sam Howell has earned this’

Howell deserved the opportunity—and he earned it.

“Sam Howell has looked pretty gosh-darn good.”

That is how former NFL tight end Logan Paulsen started his conversation Friday morning as a guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” on The Team 980.

Paulsen quickly clarified, of course, Howell has been far from perfect, but he is, in Paulsen’s view trending upward. Pointing to the “team blitz” part of the workout against the Ravens, Paulsen expressed that though Howell had struggled earlier in blitz sessions. But against the Ravens, he was “very solid.”

While it is certainly not a surprise that Howell was named the starter, Paulsen was quick to add, “This is something he has earned; this is something he deserves.”

Pointing to the Cleveland game, Paulsen liked what he saw in Sam extending a few plays for positive yardage, feeling it adds value to Howell’s game and shows he continues to be improving.

Paulsen feels with Howell; his upside is always part of the equation that cannot be ignored. “He is a little more physically talented than Jacoby…So they are hoping that develops into something more. It is something you are always navigating and negotiating as a coach. This guy (Brissett) is ready, but this guy (Howell) behind him will be a better player long term.”

During the offseason workouts, the preseason game in Cleveland, and workouts against the Ravens, the coaches feel Howell “has shown you enough positive flashes of that tremendous upside.” So the coaches are saying they are “going to bet on his potential because they believe he can get there.”

Explaining to Sheehan through his NFL experience with veteran quarterbacks, Paulsen believes Howell has also exhibited a quiet confidence to his offensive teammates. He also pointed to the skirmishes that transpired with the Ravens that Howell was out there leading, reminding teammates of their task, their focus.

There will be ups and downs for Sam Howell, no doubt. Joe Theismann certainly experienced them for Washington in the 1976 and 1977 seasons. He was even benched as George Allen went back to Billy Kilmer in both seasons. But Theismann developed into a fine quarterback and capable leader in time.

Washington coaches are going to provide Sam Howell with the same opportunity.

Commanders HC Ron Rivera was talking quarterbacks

What does Rivera need to see from Sam Howell this summer?

Washington head coach Ron Rivera was understandably in a good mood at Tuesday’s press conference, marking the beginning of the 2023 season training camp.

Rivera looked and sounded free. He enjoys being able to talk about football more often.

How does Rivera feel going into training camp about his quarterbacks?

“I think we feel very comfortable going in, I really do. I think we all have liked what we’ve done. There are some positions that guys have to grow and mature in, most notably the quarterback position. You know with how Sam [Howell] has worked and how Jacoby [Brissett] has worked, I think we feel very comfortable with those guys. We like who they are. We like their development growth and we’ll be watching that one obviously very closely.”

Rivera was asked directly what is his major, overarching question for this team this season. Coach Ron didn’t even hesitate on that one. Rivera is entering his fourth season in Washington, and in each season, he has had to open with a different starting quarterback.

“I think more than anything else, it will start with the quarterback position. That’s about as big a question as it gets. Has Sam [Howell] grown and developed enough to help us take the next step? Is Jacoby [Brissett] ready to go and compete, and if he gets that chance, will he take us up to the next level? It’s a big broad question, but it does start with that position which is the biggest thing.”

After a few questions regarding offense, offensive coaches, it, of course, came full circle back to a question about his quarterback, Sam Howell So, Rivera was asked what is it he needs to see from Sam Howell.

“More than anything else is consistent play and growth. One of the things I really appreciated, and I go back to the Dallas game was how we played, how we self-corrected. How he handled things, how he changed things on his own and some of his own decision making. Those are things you want to see that tells you he is growing and he’s getting it. So, when you watch him in practice, watch him closely, how is he handling those type of deals. There’s a lot of things that we will focus on and pay attention to. And working with [Director of Pro Personnel] Eric [Stokes], [Quarterbacks Coach] Tavita [Pritchard] and [Senior Offensive Advisor/Game Management] [Ken] Zampese. We have eyes on him and were going through and kind of nitpicking almost to make sure he’s doing those things.”