Sam Howell settling in as Commanders QB1 as training camp begins

ASHBURN, Va. — New owner Josh Harris watched training camp from the sideline Wednesday, the ultimate opening-day indication of massive change for the Washington Commanders. An at-ease Sam Howell cracking a joke at his media availability might rank second.

A reporter wearing a collared shirt with a light blue base that would appeal to a University of North Carolina alum held the mic. Seated next to a colleague sporting a dark (or Duke) blue shirt, the reporter asked Howell what it was like walking to the practice field knowing he is positioned as QB1 entering camp.

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The second-year quarterback with one career start and a middling rating in “Madden NFL 24” dutifully answered, calling the opportunity “an ultimate blessing” after a largely quiet rookie campaign. Howell then disposed of his typical shy demeanor in media settings — and took command of the situation.

“I like that (Carolina blue) color shirt you got on, by the way,” Howell joked. “A lot better than that gentleman to your right.”

Guess which of these shirt colors the former UNC QB said he preferred over the other. pic.twitter.com/N9dIrADA2a

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) July 26, 2023

Audibling at the line of scrimmage is one thing. With reporters and cameras staring at him is another — or was as a rookie, and as a still-green player thrust into the spotlight earlier this year when head coach Ron Rivera declared Howell atop the depth chart. That sign of comfort and a strong right arm is why teammates have faith in their new signal caller.

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“He’s been showing us since OTAs,” running back Antonio Gibson said. “Stepping up, being a leader, being vocal. Making sure guys know where they need to be, you know, putting guys where they need to be.

“He looks relaxed. He looks fine.”

As Howell declared, having “total command of the offense” at this stage helps explain his heightened “confidence.” There remains a massive gap between confidence and arrogance.

“At the same time,” he continued, “I think there’s a lot of work left to be done. I’m not complacent at all.”

One of the big QB mysteries this season, Howell joined his fellow football fanatics by watching the Netflix series “Quarterback,” which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the in-season journeys of Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota.

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“It was super cool to see all those guys and kind of see how they all go about the game differently,” said Howell.

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The series’ popularity led to ample water cooler talk over which players will receive the nod this season. Howell’s unique journey to this challenge — including first-round hype he garnered after a dynamic sophomore season with the Tar Heels — would make for exciting viewing. Yet the 2022 fifth-round pick maturely stated that he’s focused on his day job, even if asked to participate.

“I’d have to think about it. Honestly, probably not. Especially this year,” said Howell, who is on track to be Washington’s seventh different Week 1 starter in seven years. “I think I would like to focus on football. Not that those guys weren’t, but I don’t want any distractions or anything like that.”

With veteran Jacoby Brissett ready to step in, that’s also a good read (of the room). One day prior, the football man in charge declared quarterback the No. 1 question of camp.

“That’s about as big a question as it gets,” Rivera said at Tuesday’s introductory news conference. “Has Sam grown and developed enough to help us take the next step? Is Jacoby ready to go and compete, and if he gets that chance, will he take us up to the next level?

“It’s a big broad question, but it does start with that position which is the biggest thing.”

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Howell’s initial practice included the promise that Washington’s front office recognized before the draft and the coaching staff observed in practices and in Howell’s Week 18 win over the Cowboys last season.

Running backs are expected to become more versatile route-runners under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Gibson ran a wheel route down the left sideline Wednesday, racing past the conversing trio of Harris, limited partner Mitchell Rales and legendary former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann.

Howell recognized Gibson beat his defender and let it rip. The throw found his target in stride. Howell also tossed a perfect dart toward the near sideline to Terry McLaurin despite a tiny window offered by first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.

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There were also some misfires and overthrows, but Rivera liked the work from all three quarterbacks, including Jake Fromm, especially with a special guest observing.

and we are back pic.twitter.com/cnlCkmsQ4T

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 26, 2023

“Any time the owner’s out there, you get an opportunity for whoever you are to step up and show them what you can and can’t do,” said Rivera, who is facing a likely must-win season. “I think that’s a good thing. I think it’s a very good plus.”

Rivera introduced Harris, who had yet to meet Howell and much of the team, to the group after practice — they applauded — and spoke with the players in the afternoon.

Already being judged by coaches, fans and gamers, Howell said he’s taking the owner’s presence in stride while appreciating what his presence means for the entire Commanders’ universe.

“Super excited to have him out here,” Howell said of Harris. “I’m obviously super grateful for him taking over the team. I think it’s an awesome deal for us. The fans are excited. There’s a lot of momentum for the team. … It’s our job as players to go out there and capitalize on the field.”

If Howell does that, Washington might finally have a stable answer at quarterback for the first time since Kirk Cousins exited after the 2017 season. That scenario could also lead to a contract extension for Rivera and a winning record for the Commanders for the first time since 2016.

Also, Netflix might check in and the Madden folks raise his rating from the current 66. That number isn’t actually about Howell the QB. Rather, Howell the unknown.

“I know some people might think it’s crazy just because of how the draft went and I hardly played at all last year,” Howell said. “It doesn’t really change anything for me. I know the type of player that I can be in this league. I feel like I’ve worked very hard and put myself in a position to go out there and succeed, so I really could care less what other people say. It’s really about what I hear in this building.”

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At this pace, the mystery will disappear soon enough for TV executives, video programmers and, most importantly, football decision-makers.

“It is what it is,” Howell said of his Madden rating. “Hopefully, it’ll be different at the end of this year.”

Notes: Defensive tackle Daron Payne did not participate with what a team spokesperson described as a minor toe injury. … Linebacker Jamin Davis (knee) returned to practice after missing the offseason program. … Gibson pegged his initial role as a third-down option. That’s a limiting assessment of his role, as Washington’s 2020 leading rusher can handle all three downs, but he is the likely pass catching threat with J.D. McKissic gone. … Thursday’s practice starts at 9 a.m. ET, with gates opening for fans at 8.

(Photo: Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

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