It’s been a tough six-week stretch for Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell. After a mostly solid first 10 weeks of the season, Howell has struggled over the last six games. Sure, there have been some good moments, but overall, it’s been a rough stretch.
In Washington’s Week 15 and 16 losses to the Rams and Jets, respectively, Howell was benched in the second half of both games. Jacoby Brissett came in and led the Commanders to touchdowns on five of his six drives.
So, last week, head coach Ron Rivera finally decided it was time to give Howell a “break.” Brissett was to start the Week 17 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Rivera didn’t necessarily pinpoint any one reason for a break but acknowledged the number of hits Howell has taken and more.
Rivera’s plan to start Brissett appeared fine until Friday, when the Commanders listed him on the final injury report as questionable. He had suffered a hamstring injury in Thursday’s practice, and Rivera said he’d be a game-time decision.
On Saturday, it became increasingly unlikely that Brissett would play. He attempted to warm up before Sunday’s game and the Commanders ruled him out. Just like that, Howell was back in the lineup.
That’s not exactly how you handle a young quarterback you’ve claimed to be developing all season.
The move appeared to work, though, as Howell had an excellent start against the 49ers, going nine of 13 for 100 yards with a touchdown in the first half. The Commanders committed to running the ball in the first half, which complemented Howell. For his part, Howell got the ball to star wide receiver Terry McLaurin four times for 61 yards and a touchdown in the first 30 minutes.
“Obviously, an interesting week,” Howell said, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “Wasn’t expecting until two hours before the game to have to play today, but…..every single opportunity I get, I try to go out there and give it my all and make the most of it.”
Unfortunately for Howell, things fell apart in the fourth quarter. Down 20-10 and facing a third-and-8, Howell’s pass to McLaurin was intercepted at the San Francisco five-yard line. So, instead of scoring three or seven points, the Commanders got none. The 49ers would eventually drive the length of the field to put the game away.
Howell would throw another interception and finished the day completing 17 of 28 passes for 169 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He completed only four of 10 attempts in the fourth quarter.
Instead of following the same blueprint from the first half, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy didn’t run the ball as much in the second half. But when he did, it still worked. Rivera nor Bieniemy did Howell any favors on Sunday.
His teammates noticed and appreciated Howell for his effort.
“Hats off to him for just being ready,” McLaurin said. We had a pretty solid first half, and it just got away from us in the second……..it was definitely no change in the plan with him or Jacoby.”
Terry McLaurin on Sam Howell and playing the last game of the season pic.twitter.com/eSak8aPqyA
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) December 31, 2023
Right guard Sam Cosmi also praised Howell and acknowledged the difficult circumstances he faced.
Sam Cosmi on Sam Howell: "It's tough. It’s a tough situation for him to just build confidence."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 31, 2023
McLaurin then offered the following comments on Howell.
“But I give credit to him because it hasn’t been an easy season for him,” McLaurin said of Howell. “And obviously, he’s going to get a lot of the blame and things like that. I think we all have a hand in it — the coaches, players. It’s been tough, but the way he came out in the first half, it showed resiliency. You could see a smile on his face. That made me happy because it’s a tough game, especially at that position. So I think he handled it as best as he could.”
It’s been a tough stretch for Howell, but his teammates remain in his corner.
Unfortunately for Howell, the coaches haven’t always had his best interest in mind.
