Commanders QB Sam Howell named team captain

NFL insider Dov Kleiman reported Wednesday that quarterback back Sam Howell has been named one of six team captains for the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2023 season.

Howell only started in one game for Washington last season, but the entire offseason he’s taken command of the offense and outshined quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Jake Fromm, being named the team’s starting quarterback following their first game of the preseason.

The former North Carolina quarterback was selected by Washington with the No. 144 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, making him the sixth quarterback selected in his draft class.

Howell served as a backup for the entirety of his rookie season with the Commanders, playing behind both Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke throughout the year. But in the team’s season finale, Howell got the start, facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18.

He led Washington to a 26-6 victory, securing their first win over Dallas since the 2020 season. In that game, Howell completed 11 of his 19 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, also adding five rushes for 35 yards and a score on the ground in his NFL regular season debut.

Howell appeared in two preseason games for Washington this year and impressed going 28-for-37 for 265 yards and three touchdowns, throwing no interceptions and also rushing for 25 yards.

There’s no doubt Howell has shown improvement since his rookie season, keeping his status as Washington’s starting quarterback since the start of OTAs and being lauded for his poise, quiet confidence, and growth as a player and leader this offseason.

“He’s taken the bull by the horns, and he’s really led us a lot this offseason,” teammate Terry McLaurin said.

Howell will lead the Commanders into battle this season, and they have a great opportunity to start off the year on the right note. Washington opens the season up against the Arizona Cardinals, a team projected by many to have the worst record in the entire NFL.

It will be just the second start of Howell’s NFL career, but all signs are pointing towards the Commanders having faith and confidence in the young quarterback as he enters his sophomore season in the league.

Howell joins wide receiver Terry McLaurin, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, cornerback Kendall Fuller, safety Jeremy Reaves, and punter Tress Way as the Washington Commanders captains for the 2023 season.