What should Commanders do with Sam Howell? Washington faces tough decision in Year 2 of Josh Harris’ ownership

The Washington Commanders fell to 4-11 on the season with a 30-28 loss to the Jets and are currently in position to pick No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Should Washington use that choice on a quarterback if given the opportunity? 

After being taken in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Howell appeared in just one game — a decisive win over Dallas — as a rookie. It was enough for the franchise to give the North Carolina product an extended look while transitioning ownership groups. 

The coaching staff had committed to Howell through the highs and the lows until Sunday. The second-year quarterback was benched in favor of Jacoby Brissett after posting a 1.7 passer rating, which was the lowest in any game this season by a substantial margin. 

Howell has completed 63.2% of his passes for 3,624 yards, 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. His 60 sacks are the most in a single season since Deshaun Watson was sacked 62 times in 2018. The record (68 sacks) set by Texans quarterback David Carr in 2005 is in play with two games remaining. 

There is a lot working against Howell’s bid to return as Washington’s starting quarterback in 2024. 

First, first-round picks inherently get a longer leash because of the investment made in them by the organization. There is not a lot of pressure for the Commanders to keep riding with a former fifth-round pick. If they were to move on, it would cost them a couple hundred thousand dollars as opposed to millions. 

Second, when there is a big change to organizational structure, such as an ownership change, the new regime will often essentially freeze their assets or dump capital. It is an opportunity to either start with a clean slate or to take some time and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the business before determining corrective action. Training wheels are off in Year 2 of Josh Harris’ ownership. If he parts ways with the head coach…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/what-should-commanders-do-with-sam-howell-washington-faces-tough-decision-in-year-2-of-josh-harris-ownership/

Author : Josh Edwards

Publish date : 2023-12-26 13:12:32

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