“Sam Howell has looked pretty gosh-darn good.”
That is how former NFL tight end Logan Paulsen started his conversation Friday morning as a guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” on The Team 980.
Paulsen quickly clarified, of course, Howell has been far from perfect, but he is, in Paulsen’s view trending upward. Pointing to the “team blitz” part of the workout against the Ravens, Paulsen expressed that though Howell had struggled earlier in blitz sessions. But against the Ravens, he was “very solid.”
While it is certainly not a surprise that Howell was named the starter, Paulsen was quick to add, “This is something he has earned; this is something he deserves.”
Pointing to the Cleveland game, Paulsen liked what he saw in Sam extending a few plays for positive yardage, feeling it adds value to Howell’s game and shows he continues to be improving.
Sam Howell extends the play and finds Cole Turner on 4th down pic.twitter.com/VLwF8SurY7
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 12, 2023
Paulsen feels with Howell; his upside is always part of the equation that cannot be ignored. “He is a little more physically talented than Jacoby…So they are hoping that develops into something more. It is something you are always navigating and negotiating as a coach. This guy (Brissett) is ready, but this guy (Howell) behind him will be a better player long term.”
During the offseason workouts, the preseason game in Cleveland, and workouts against the Ravens, the coaches feel Howell “has shown you enough positive flashes of that tremendous upside.” So the coaches are saying they are “going to bet on his potential because they believe he can get there.”
Explaining to Sheehan through his NFL experience with veteran quarterbacks, Paulsen believes Howell has also exhibited a quiet confidence to his offensive teammates. He also pointed to the skirmishes that transpired with the Ravens that Howell was out there leading, reminding teammates of their task, their focus.
There will be ups and downs for Sam Howell, no doubt. Joe Theismann certainly experienced them for Washington in the 1976 and 1977 seasons. He was even benched as George Allen went back to Billy Kilmer in both seasons. But Theismann developed into a fine quarterback and capable leader in time.
Washington coaches are going to provide Sam Howell with the same opportunity.
