So, how about when outsiders evaluate the NFL quarterback’s play in 2022?
One such writer has “attempted” (no small task) to rank every single quarterback who threw a pass in a 2022 regular-season or playoff game.
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports says the numbers reveal 82 quarterbacks attempted a pass, so he is ranking them. Benjamin, like “First Things First” host Nick Wright, employs tiers, seven of them, to rank all of the quarterbacks.
Benjamin’s tiers are
- Franchise Elite (No. 1-6)
- Overachievers (No. 7-11)
- Scattershot playmakers (No. 12-15)
- War-torn vets (No. 16-26)
- On and off the bench (No. 27-34)
- Short-lived notables (No. 35-53)
- The leftovers (No. 54-82)
As for the Washington Commanders quarterbacks? Benjamin ranked Taylor Heinicke in the 25th spot, just one below Cardinals QB Kyler Murray and one above Rams QB Matt Stafford.
Benjamin has Carson Wentz in the 32nd position, one lower than Davis Mills (Texans) and one above Matt Ryan (Colts).
What about Sam Howell? Interestingly enough, though he rates Howell way down at 55, one below Skylar Thompson (Dolphins) and one above David Blough (Cardinals), he takes the time to mention Howell quite positively.
Howell was impressive airing it out for the Commanders at the close of the season, setting him up for a potential 2023 starting gig.
Indeed Howell only had 19 NFL passing attempts in his first season of experience. Hopefully, it was a season of learning for Howell. He is, perhaps more than anything, going to need the Commanders to improve that offensive line with at least two or three new starters.
But we are certainly hoping for the best for Howell in 2023.
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