Who should be the starting Commanders quarterback in 2023?
That question is asked because the quarterback play for Washington during the 2022 season left much to be desired. As a result, Carson Wentz will certainly be released soon, Taylor Heinicke may or may not be re-signed and Sam Howell could be the only one of the three to remain with Washington for 2023.
Keep in mind Sam Howell only took actual snaps in the season finale against Dallas. While it is true Washington scored 26 points that day, Howell only attempted 19 passes, completed only 57.9 percent of his attempts, graded out at 83.0 passer rating and a 46.5 QBR. So, nothing stellar, but it is such a small sample size, not too much either way should be made of the performance. However, it could be accurately said that Howell displayed more ability on his feet than Wentz and Heinicke.
Heinicke started nine games, and Wentz the other seven. Between the two of them, they both had good moments but also struggled more than a few times.
Here are a few numbers exhibiting that the passing offense, regardless if Wentz or Heinicke were in the lineup, struggled in contrast with most of the rest of the league.
Completion percentage: 23rd (62.1)
Passing Yards: 21st (3,472)
Passing Touchdowns: 17th (24)
Passing Touchdown percentage: 15th (4.3)
Interceptions Thrown: 27th (16)
Interceptions percentage: 28th (2.9)
Yards gained per passing attempt: 22nd (6.8)
Adjusted yards gained per passing attempt: 23rd (6.4)
Yards per passing completion: 17th (11.0)
Passing Yards gained per game: 21st (204.2)
Passer Rating: 22nd (84.7)
Expected Points contributed by passing 23rd (0.93)
Times sacked: 26th (48).
Game Winning Drives: 14th (3)
4Q Comebacks: 8th (4)