Everyone is paying attention to Commanders QB Sam Howell

The Washington Commanders are 2-0 for the first time since the 2011 season. One reason for Washington’s success is quarterback Sam Howell.

Remember this offseason how everyone laughed at the Commanders for going with a 2022 fifth-round pick at quarterback? Well, not everyone. It was almost as if some weren’t even acknowledging Howell because “how could a fifth-round pick turn into a legit starting quarterback?”

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While Howell’s story has yet to be written, he improved to 3-0 as an NFL starting quarterback after Sunday’s win over the Denver Broncos. Howell isn’t a game manager, either. Washington isn’t winning in spite of Howell; the Commanders are winning because of Howell. He’s made mistakes, including taking too many sacks, but his ability to shake off negative plays and respond is a unique trait only some of the best quarterbacks possess.

It’s far too soon to call Howell the Commanders’ franchise quarterback. But there are many reasons to be excited.

Several NFL analysts weighed in on Howell after his Week 2 performance against the Broncos.

Mina Kimes

One thing I like about Sam Howell's game: He's not very tall (6'1), but looks comfortable throwing MOF. Here he is standing tall in a collapsing pocket and absolutely ripping it btwn the safeties. pic.twitter.com/MV2eWj2uN8

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 20, 2023

Stephen A. Smith

Ryan Fowler

Flat out dot here from Sam Howell.

Hasn’t been perfect but Washington’s QB has taken steps from W1. pic.twitter.com/1XpMa4YBz7

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) September 17, 2023

Damon Amendolara

Sam Howell is already better after three games than Zach Wilson. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/q1qJ5yuJrM

— Damon Amendolara (@DAonCBS) September 19, 2023

Ian Hartitz

Sam Howell 🎯 pic.twitter.com/kN4cq0BwuR

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 19, 2023

Mike Renner

Sam Howell: visually appealing ball thrower pic.twitter.com/ds3mcqyOiy

— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) September 19, 2023

Doug Farrar

i'm starting to think this sam howell guy might be pretty good pic.twitter.com/XtK2qj80H3

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) September 19, 2023

Sam Monson

What if Sam Howell is just a stone-cold, goddamn baller?pic.twitter.com/WKuQ1KxA8D

— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) September 20, 2023