On paper, Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has the kind of college résumé that seemingly should have preceded him entering the NFL.
As a freshman at North Carolina in 2019, Howell threw 38 touchdowns against seven interceptions. As a sophomore in 2020, he steered the Tar Heels to an Orange Bowl berth. It took him just three years to become the third-leading passer in ACC history.
However, Washington coach Ron Rivera admitted to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer on Monday that even he was taken by surprise when the fifth-round draft pick delivered a rock-solid performance against the Cowboys in last year's season finale.