A few weeks ago, Jonathan Allen made headlines for using a bunch of profanities to vent his frustrations with the Washington Commanders as an organization. After the team’s 20-17 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, Allen has done a complete 180.
Why? It’s all thanks to Sam Howell, who threw for 325 yards against New England.
In the postgame, a calm and eloquent Allen didn’t hold any praise back for the Commanders’ second-year quarterback. In fact, Allen went as far as to say that he believes Howell has the potential to be Washington’s long-term franchise signal-caller. This is high praise from one of the NFL’s premier defenders:
Jon Allen believes Sam Howell will be the Washington QB for the next decade. Strong praise here for the young QB. pic.twitter.com/j4UI3bRW6p
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) November 5, 2023
Jonathan Allen on Sam Howell: “I feel like we found our quarterback for the next 5-10 years, and I truly believe that.”
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 5, 2023
Hoo boy, Allen looks like he’s all the way bought in on Howell’s long-term potential. For what it’s worth, some numbers do back up Allen’s opinion. According to RBDSM.com, Howell’s expected points added (EPA) and completion percentage over expected (CPOE) of 0.075 through nine 2023 starts is 15th in the NFL. He’s currently sharing company with bigger names like Trevor Lawrence (0.083) and C.J. Stroud (0.073).
Howell still has a lot to learn before he really starts elevating the Commanders on a week-to-week basis. But it speaks volumes that Allen already thinks he’s going to get there.
This was how Twitter reacted to Allen's praise
Pretty strong… https://t.co/2Gbxh6Vrnx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2023
Yea he's definitely shown he deserves to be invested in. Washington should be out of the QB market finally https://t.co/6912QJoIEH
— Paul🅿️🦃 (@blakebooming) November 5, 2023
Encouraging to hear this. Sam has progressed nicely so far in his early career.#HTTC https://t.co/Sb68uR09Wa
— Roni (@RBBallWiz) November 5, 2023
The players know – Sam is legit https://t.co/voZHRhlGq5
— Hail To The District (@HailToDC) November 5, 2023
Sam Howell is the guy it’s crazy people want to nitpick things as if he isn’t making crazy throws and getting better each week. If he was a first round pick then all this second guessing wouldn’t be happening. He’s the QB of the future just enjoy it. https://t.co/7NXfoIzsGY
— Zac (@DCzWall) November 5, 2023
Patriots lose but it advances my Sam Howell is Good Agenda https://t.co/5A6XLlJmto pic.twitter.com/0c69l4idAj
— Michael Koh (@michaelkohwchl) November 5, 2023
"He's our future."
In the Mailbag last week, we explained how part of the Commanders' decision-making at the deadline was impacted by the feeling it had found its quarterback in Sam Howell (https://t.co/6DXEN8iAoa). https://t.co/JLR9yilcJv pic.twitter.com/IhjGeFRDok
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 5, 2023
Anyone considering Jonathan Allen for a scouting or GM role down the road will use this quote against him https://t.co/OR7lsgmYqi
— Tim Timothy (@RookieMisteak) November 5, 2023
Again…this is great. I hope he’s right. All that matters now, is do the new people agree? https://t.co/7GDcm6v39d
— Strickly Speakin’ (@SpiderStrick) November 5, 2023