Commander Washington HC Ron Rivera undecided on QB kicks off for the Week 18 home game against Dallas in the knockout round.
The Commanders (7-8-1) have very little to play with after they were knocked out of the post-season in Week 17. So why not give rookie Sam Howell a chance?
Howell had an impressive college career at North Carolina, and entering the NFL Draft last year was seen as an early talent. After the Commanders knocked him out in the fifth round (144), he was branded a thief by Rivera.
“We feel this is a home run for us,” he speak (h/t: Washington Post).
Others are not so kind.
In a Howell pre-2022 NFL Draft scouting report, NFL.com wrote: “Howell is not suitable or suitable for a controlling pass attack and may need a capable vertical pass scheme. create explosive plays for success.”
In week 17, QB Taylor Heinicke was brought on from the bench for poor play. His replacement, former starter Carson Wentz, played even worse in the Browns loss.
Howell’s chances of becoming a QB franchise are probably slim, as there are rarely late round picks. If Washington finds a new QB during the season, it’s unlikely Howell will be competing for a job starting in 2023.
But the Commanders drafted him for a reason. So in a game that wouldn’t make any sense, Washington had no downside to giving him an audition.
