Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is backing newly-named starting quarterback Sam Howell after being impressed with him during the offseason at their OTAs (Organised Team Activities).
Howell, 22, took his opportunity from the off in Washington's season finale against the Dallas Cowboys in early January. The rookie made a positive impression, completing 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards, plus picking up a passing and rushing touchdown to help the Commanders upset the playoff-bound Cowboys.
After a dream debut for the 144th overall pick the team continues to show their faith in him as their starter, despite the offseason signing of veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Pro Bowl wideout McLaurin is a fan.
"I think Sam has a real quiet confidence about him," McLaurin told Commanders.com. "He's not gonna tell people what to do, but he knows what he's doing when he gets out on the field.
"For him to come in and be aggressive the way he was (against Dallas), I think that says a lot about who he is and his ability to prepare. It was just so good to see him smiling and see that light coming on.
"He's very confident in his ability, and he's not afraid to give guys the opportunity to make plays. You can really tell he has a good grasp of playing football, especially for a young guy coming in with a pretty challenging offense."
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Howell is the latest in a long list of players to play quarterback at Washington since Kirk Cousins left in 2017 and joined the Minnesota Vikings. The team has had at least three different individuals start in the role in every one of the last four seasons.
There have been a dozen different starters in total during that time. McLaurin, who the franchise drafted in 2019, has caught from ten of those 12 now, so he is well-positioned to pass judgement on the latest incumbent.
The Pro Bowler is also the longest-tenured offensive player on the team, entering his fifth year. After the franchise let Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke walk during the offseason, Howell is now the last quarterback left in Washington.
After backing the former North Carolina Tar Heel, by freeing the path to a start in the 2023 season, the Commanders will hope he can lead them to the postseason for the first time in three years. However, Howell must now adapt to working under former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who the franchise hired in February.
Making the playoffs would be a welcome boost for the team's prospective new ownership group after long-time owner Dan Snyder finally agreed to sell the team earlier this year. The deal will be ratified by the league later this month.
Improving from their .500 record and rising off the foot of the NFC East will be their initial aims this season.
