Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell will make his first NFL road start on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Traveling across the country is always difficult, but playing in Denver’s high altitude presents another challenge.
Howell certainly understands the challenge but believes Washington’s training staff is well prepared for the change in altitude.
Buy Commanders Tickets“I have not,” Howell said when he was asked about playing in the high altitude.
“I know [assistant strength & conditioning/nutritionist] Jake [Sankal], our nutritionist; he has some things that might help us with that,” Howell said.
Washington’s opponent this week, Denver, is quarterbacked by a former Super Bowl winner and one of the NFL’s best passers from the last decade, Russell Wilson. While the talk of Wilson’s demise after a career-worst season in 2023 may be premature, Howell has always admired the Denver quarterback.
“We’re playing Russell Wilson this week,” Howell said. “I’ve watched Russell Wilson a lot as well. I think we kind of have a similar game style. He was one of the guys I watched growing up, that I liked the way he played the game.”
Wilson and Howell do have a similar playing style and build.
And while he has always admired Wilson, it’s another Sean Payton quarterback that Howell admired above all: Legendary former New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees.
“Drew Brees was my favorite growing up,” Howell said when asked who he models his game after. “Big fan of his and just the way he played the game.”
Howell obviously has a long way to go to match Brees. But, on Sunday, he has a chance to begin his NFL career with three consecutive wins. He’ll need to avoid the costly turnovers for the Commanders to have any chance of beginning the season 2-0.
