Is Sam Howell the Commanders' QB of the Future? Film Breakdown

In this film breakdown, we take a look at Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell, who I see as a top-half QB that can absolutely win you games. Here, I break down his strengths and weaknesses, as I see them, and even though he started 1 game last year, I'm evaluating him as a rookie. He's got tremendous arm strength, he's a decisive passer, and he does well out of the pocket too. Some of his big weaknesses like sacks taken and INTs are partially his fault, but also a product of the Commanders' pass-heavy offense. Sheer volume of dropbacks and attempts is going to lead to higher numbers in some of those categories for him.
Is Sam Howell the Commanders' QB of the Future? Film Breakdown
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[@AtoZSportsFilmRoom]

Do you think Sam Howell is the guy for the Commanders? Or too early to tell?

[@derrickbrown7955]

I think many people are forgetting that this is Sam's 3rd new offense in three years. EB IMO has done an amazing job getting a group of guys completely unfamiliar with his offense so quickly. Yes, they've gone through their ups and downs, but things seem to finally start clicking, especially after making changes to the o-line and adding the quick game. Sam has many things he still needs to work on, but his recievers are letting him down. This is completely unexpected, but it seems to fit the Commanders mantra. Fix one element of your team and then watch other elements get worse unexpectedly, like the pass catchers and the defense.

[@truthbetold7718]

Yes, Sam is a franchise QB. He needs an actual NFL caliber line in front of him, not this undersized group of scrubs in front of him.

[@dennisgraysr]

He's our QB1. A 5th round pick on a rookie contract. Sam's QB IQ is very good, he has a very strong arm, he can make every throw, he's mobile, he's tough, and he's the ultimate competitor All young QB's playing at the highest level of football, and seeing defenses at the highest level for the first time, they all have a learning curve, it just depends on the player how much of a curve. At this level almost everything they are seeing they are seeing it for the first time at a speed they are not accustom to. Each snap, each game , the game is slowing down for Sam . EB is learning what Sam does well, what he has at the skill positions and what they do well, and what this disfunctional OLine can't do. We need to do whatever it takes to put a good OLine in front of Sam so that we can maximize his potential. Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes would have 3 Super Bowls if they had a OLine against the Bucs. You have to protect your most priced investment QB1. Sam is our guy. let's Go !

[@ccbcco]

SAM HOWELL: Throws like a quarter-back. + Built like a half-back + Runs like a full-back + Moves like as skipjack + Brave like a steeplejack + Studies like a "scholar-back" + Plays like "no turning back" + Like his steady counter-attack! = Gonna be a monster-back!.

[@mitchfuchs6024]

I’ve watched every game so far this year imo he’s definitely earned to be qb1 next year. His ceiling is high for sure but after this year I feel like he’s going to learn what mistakes not to make.

[@krockyog7165]

any seahawks fans here trynna see if howell is any good 🤣

[@anderschoy887]

Yeah 😂

[@61Wolves-yt4yk]

If you knew what the Seahawks are doing and stop criticizing every move they make ( fake ass GM's) maybe you wouldn't be here !

[@krockyog7165]

@@61Wolves-yt4yk awe did i touch a nerve, i don’t criticize moves that arnt dump, if something doesn’t work out that’s one thing, if its dumb then obviously, also just asked a question numb nuts, cry somwhere else

[@anderschoy887]

@@61Wolves-yt4yk I'm here just because I never watched Howell, I like their moves a lot and trust them tbh乁⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠o⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠ㄏ

[@j.ruhland21]

Been knowing he is solid from a far dude. Just didn’t deep dive into his game because he wasn’t a Seahawk.

[@sekaikage]

I would go as far as saying he's a top 10 passer right now. He has some mental things he needs to clean up but I'd put his arm up against just about any QB.

[@baileyjones1854]

He is second in the league in passing yards

[@reidweber4749]

⁠@@baileyjones1854bye weeks have affected that he wasn’t in the top 5 before that, but he’s good I like him

[@kevinjames8297]

Definitely has elite arm talent, the Commanders need to stick with Howell

[@shuaibshabazz7361]

@@baileyjones1854check again your wrong

[@TheNeutronJawn]

top 10 with 22 picks?

[@dalegotcher7617]

The great thing about Howell is almost all of his negatives are things that can and have been improved on. I think as he keeps getting experience he will continue to grow into a franchise QB. He does so many things on an elite level so early into his career that I think it's clear that he has a pretty high ceiling. This is only the beginning. We'll see how it all plays out. At this point, I think he is 100% EB's and Washington's QB for the foreseeable future.

[@Kaisaccountt]

Washington should keep him no matter what. He’s the best quarterback they had since cousins.

[@Kwest727]

As a Washington fan I think he's better than Cousins, especially second year Cousins because Howell also has running ability.

[@ShawnCman]

Compare them for the same time in the NFL Sam is light years better than Kirk was in his 1st yr. Deep ball, when Kirk was here he wasn't that accurate with in all his years as a QB in Washington. Where as Sam has that as a natural ability within his first yr. Sam is our guy.

[@gloomjesussecretaccount]

I'd go so far as to say he's potentially the best QB in dc since and I hesitate to even say it, the great one himself. I just hope they don't f this up, cause if they get Sam some real protection. We will soon be saying it, are you ready for it? Sonny days are here again!! If any body reading this never got to see him play, you gotta check him out! Sonny was amazing ! Sam has many of those same traits! Neither Brady in his prime or even Patrick would last a season with this team the way its currently set. Im told by a reliable source that the reason bill wants to finish his career in DC Is Sam howell. When Brady was drafted in the 6th round no one thought he would replace Bledsoe and would be considered by some (im not one of them) the goat! Neither Tom or Patrick were or are great athletes, but they have qualities that are hard to define. Some and I am one of them think Sam has some of those same qualities. Build around Sam and assuming they pick some real talent and Sonny days will be back in the nations capital!

[@apollobernet]

@@Kwest727 agree, I used to be impressed with Cousin in practice, initially in Ashburn, and then in Richmond. With Sam, I was blown away. It was the first time I saw someone w/ an elite arm up close. His arm is crazy good!

[@apollobernet]

@@gloomjesussecretaccount DC and their fanbase will for this to be screwed up. This place always does. Low football IQ, especially the media.

[@jbirzer]

It has been a process, and he seems to get better every game. Going to be interesting to see how far he goes.

[@derrickbrown7955]

Dang, Commander WRs suck. So many explosive plays they are dropping in bunches.

[@apollobernet]

completely overrated receivers. They are not disciplined at all.

[@Switchrunner23]

Great pickup John

[@dex1k763]

amazing breakdown bro 🔥

[@AreYouFNQRAZII]

I LOVE the long form breakdown, more please‼️🙏🏿❤️

[@viciouso1234]

I like your point about him not practicing against a live pass rush. I feel like he plays like its practice. Its helped him look comfortable so far but can still be better

[@CasualClinkz]

Loved what i saw from him last season and this just confirms what i saw in him excited have him with the hawks

[@GnosticJuggernaut.]

Imagine if he had a good O-line. I'm a Washington fan and we have the worst O-line in the league. I really like Howell and think he can be our franchise QB. Please Washington get Howell a O-line. Its hard to make plays when you're running for your life every play.

[@NerreraFightStories]

We don't have the worst OLine by any metric

[@GnosticJuggernaut.]

@@NerreraFightStories Yes we do. Every football analyst ranked Washington 3rd worst or worst O-line, based on stats. Do you watch football? Howell has been sacked a record breaking number of times. He literally has to run out of pocket 95% of the time.

[@mattbalfe2983]

​@@GnosticJuggernaut.By PFF we're like 14th best...

[@jaredfrahm7679]

I wanted Washington to draft Sam. When they did I was so excited. This is a great breakdown. Sam definitely has shown flashes and is the best qb we have had in years. As you pointed out there are still things for him to improve on, but overall I feel like its been trending upwards for him. I hope the next staff keeps him and we start building a contender.

[@davidbrazell5179]

About time for another breakdown of Howell afterwards of this season starting please

[@datboicuz]

very good breakdown stick with howell in future

[@dennisgraysr]

Excellent video ! If Sam continues to get reps as QB1 and finishes out the season with 17 starts, he'll have a complete offseason to digest and dissect his play and watch film and get some 1 on 1 with EB.

[@kayhuncho1015]

if he gets a full season of reps im scared for the league next year

[@baileyjones1854]

Sam is watching film all the time he studies constantly

[@maskedman5657]

I know one thing. For a second year player he's a ton of fun to watch. Do you think it would be asking to much for a video breakdown on Lamar Jackson?

[@AtoZSportsFilmRoom]

Definitely gonna do a Lamar vid in the next few weeks

[@MrCgr33]

It’s also essentially a redshirt rookie. Only played the final game of last season

[@WeBuyFast]

That's my QB!!!

[@j.ruhland21]

Howell > Lock What a trade for Seattle!!

[@Nate100]

Look how open the TE is in the clip at 6:30 but he takes the tough throw with three D around him.

[@cedricbryant6360]

As a pure passer / thrower of the football the guy is top 10… as an overall QB he’s still in the top 15-17 range. Once he clean up his entire game he has perennial top 7-10 QB traits. Stuff you just can’t teach pops on the tape but stuff you likely can’t fix as well. He drifts in the pocket towards the target he is throwing to a lot and it walks him right into sacks.

[@kayhuncho1015]

i think all his mistakes are really fixable, especially the sack issue because he’s so extreme it’s very unlikely that doesn’t get better, if he gets it to 2-3 sacks a game he’s a top 10 QB

[@baileyjones1854]

He can fix things sam will do anything to get better

[@Brett33]

I think Washington could keep Howell for now and invest in getting the O line built back up , maybe a playmaker TE and help in the Secondary instead of spending another pick on a QB , really tired of the QB controversies Washington always seems to get themselves into . Unless they really 100% don't think Howell is the "their man" for the job and there is a legitimate Franchise QB ( Payton Manning level) available . Since this really is his rookie season and he routinely has defenders in the backfield at the snap because the line sucks , it's difficult to really know what he can do . Now if he had a great offensive line and had 3 or 4 seconds to stand back there and scan the field , he would probably look even better .

[@commanderfootball]

Dude look around the league! Yes he is

[@lakenhawkst6022]

Give it 3 years, Howell will be a top 10 quarterback in the NFl. He is great but the pressure by his Oline causes more pressure and more mental issues by getting sacked a lot. He is very sharp with the ball risking lots of ints or pass break ups, but 8/10 times, its a dot straight into the hands of his receivers. He is something speical

[@evanrobish7507]

The O line is getting wrecked

[@toby_terpenstein2533]

Yea he'll be great in Seattle

[@Stud_muffin]

It starts in the trenches, and our oline is horrible. Add a rookie QB, and here we are. The argument that the offense isn't keeping the other team off the field doesn't seem right, since the other team averages about a dozen times on the field, which I believe is about average for the NFL, but the other teams are scoring 60% of the time. So the defense averages about 30 points a game, so you can't just hang EB and Howell on wins and losses. I'm not sure EB is the answer, but I doubt any OC could do better. Running eats clock, when you are trying to score more than 30 points. On the other hand, Howell seems to have problems with dynamic defenses, but is that experience, or a weakness with Howell or a lack of game planning? We have TEs that are invisible, and our #1 and #2 dropping balls and not getting open, so our #3 (slot) receiver and RBs have the most catches, and part of that is pressure constantly on the QB, who is still learning the system. Our WRs have no speed or size. Miami was looking for that play that was a pick-6, but that was on Howell for not seeing the play unfold the way it did, especially the way the Ts are turnstiles. Again, he is a rookie and defenses can just play the pass, but what can you do with the defense giving up 30? There are no guarantees in the draft, if we could even select one of the top two QBs, and we start over again with a rookie. All I'm saying is, get a better oline and WRs before giving up on Howell. Where is our "stretch the defense" WR, but also give Howell time to find him too. He showed great long throws earlier in the year and last year, but now receivers aren't open anymore. I am concerned that Howell doesn't anticipate routes well and get the ball to receivers as they make their break, but is that lack of confidence in the receivers getting open, or EB scheming or pressure from defense? Tua or Mahomes may get more out of this group, or would they be on the sidelines, injured? Considering how good the defense was in 2022, it seems like RR deliberately screwed EB by taking corners with the first two picks; what did EB as his possible successor weigh on that, especially with RR going public with complaints about EB's style, undermining his authority?

[@xOnTheBrinkx]

At 9:14 the run was not on a 3rd and 13, it was 3rd and 23 with him running 24 yards for the first down.

[@AtoZSportsFilmRoom]

My bad!

[@Debo78816]

Do a bosa video

[@christianhudek382]

He is really good. Most of his problems can be fixed with xp. Go hawks

[@michaelterrant3644]

one game last year...still basically a rookie...the best we've had in a long time...get him a line and I think that the sky is the limit on offense...defense,no comment

[@samuelanderson8519]

What I’ve noticed is the 10 games he has played he has thrown 3 red zone interceptions and that’s concerning.

[@baileyjones1854]

That's not bad for a young qb.

[@commanderfootball]

If thus dude was on giants they would be going nuts in the media

[@dalontebrown5513]

He's good he's a top 10 qb

[@thecat3059]

sir it was 3rd and 23 not 3rd and 13

[@craigerisbojangles]

This is what Washington fans need to watch, they need to pick up a decent veteran that can help him clean up the flaws, and trade back and get bowers because the nfl is lacking TE talent. Or tackle. Half the fans want to sellout for Caleb Williams , what a Snyder move I thought we wanted to build for the long term???

[@beogreen525]

I don't care what pff comes up with in their opinion, the main problem with Howell wasn't accuracy or anything else to note, it was the O line and he's dramatically changed since the line has switched a few players the last few weeks, Something the media probably doesn't even know happened

[@beogreen525]

@@user-lw4hz5hx5h Nah they literally were and are the blame because yes he ran into a few himself but that's natural when you're shell shocked thinking another one is coming, And that's been proven the last few weeks with the change...

[@beogreen525]

But it's still time to draft another QB...

[@LenOx601]

Thst was 3rd and 23

[@juveduran9980]

Shit tom Brady would had thrown 21 picks too behind that line. 😂

[@williamlowe1306]

If you put sam currently on any of the top 10 teams i assure you they have the same record as they do now...yes sam is a top 10 qb but dc is not a top 10 team. this year has shown me that terry is over rated by fans (yes hes great but hes a B+ WR1 or a A+ wr2) we need a much better rb (i like brob as rb2) and we def need a te (again i like logan but we need a playmaker) tbh i would be happy if we switched gears and focused $$ on offense instead of the dline/defense (yes i understand thats the direction were possibly headed looking at the chase/sweat trade) plus lets be honest with ourselves..del rio and our hc needs to go..if we lose another game its time to let Riverboat go and see what EB can do....tbh at best were a wildcard team that gets bounced early...may as well see what eb is capable of before the offseason gets here and theres an entire overhaul. im all but certain EB will get the job for a year maybe two but we need a new front office and DC

[@kyleworthington4803]

I'm not sure about the B-Rob take. I wish EB had thought to scheme B-Rob and AG into the offense earlier into the season when the o-line was clearly struggling with protection. Quick passes and screens along with play action go a long way with helping a rookie QB get the ball out faster and would have eased up a lot the sack totals earlier in the season. Hindsight is always 20/20, but I expected more with EB coming from a west coast offense, especially when our veteran TE is older now and injury prone. Hoping they keep the pair together next season; it'd be a shame to have to put the kid into a new offense with a new OC for a 3rd time in 3 years.

[@blockTay]

No!! And I’m a Washington fan born and raised in DC , Taylor Heinecke should’ve kept that starting job

[@VAHOLLA]

It looks like allot of his bad decisions were in the beginning of the season. Based off of your breakdown.

[@juveduran9980]

I still think Sam Howell is a franchise qb. Don’t forget this was year 1 for him as starter. Problem was that we had keep throwing too much and that line is worst in nfl history. Dude got sacked 65 times which is insane and yeah some balls he Held onto but that’s because he was probably waiting for wr to get open. If he can fix this line and get him a top receiver and top tight end I think he can develop to a top qb. But I just don’t know if he has a chance 😢 new owners wants to built a winner right away. And having a 2nd pick overall pretty much seal his fate. Chicago probably trade that pick and stay with fields. So someone taking Williams Unless we trade up and take Williams then I’ll be in for that. Only other qb I like in this draft is Jaden Daniels. Mayes is not a franchise qb so taking him will be a mistake and Sam Howell will probably start over him anyways. So move up and take Williams or Daniel’s at 2nd or stick with Sam and pair him with Marvin Harrison jr.

[@johnjarnac6507]

I DID A DRAFT THIS MORNING ON A POST IN 4TH RD I THINK I HAD DRAFTED QB MICHAEL PRATT FROM TULANE A VERY DECENT QB BIGGER THAN SAM AND CAN RUN BETTER THAN SAM !!!! SAM IS OK BUT HIS THROWS ARE OK HE NEEDS MORE ACCURACY!!! I TOOK PRATT TO BE ON SAFE SIDE !!

[@killerkhye]

A younger joe flacco

[@Domo_Skywalker94]

Name 27 QBs playing better than him right now? Yall need to understand yall not watching the other QBs(Commanders fans)as often as Sam and guess what??? The other QBs are making the same mistakes only difference the other teams have a better record and some actual have a receiver whose taking over the game, I love Terry but this year AJ Brown has shown why a dominant receiver is needed in this league because Sam is playing better than Hurts but Hurts can lean on AJ Brown to make a big play when nothing else is working and we know this first hand, we gave away both games to AJ Brown when no one else particularly played all that well for the Eagles

[@baileyjones1854]

He should have been the first qb picked in his draft class

[@Excuse_The_Hebrew]

Week 1 was Arizona not New England. It’s also 3 & 23 not 3&13

[@Cha0sDunk]

I was about to comment this. Much more impressive when he ran for 24 yards! Sad it ended in a bad int, but it was a solid drive to end the half.

[@GoodVibes-ie7vx]

I just hit mute to see all those passes over 20 yards. 😂

[@saintwah]

Hell is a top 15 QB lol and what is that worth 😂

[@DJ-ir9fl]

How's is not the present or future. Not sure about the hype really. Two QBs coming out the draft. I don't take Howell over. Neither do the experts. So that should answer your questions

[@pinkerton1650]

try english next time

[@rickywatters4439]

You aren’t getting Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. The commanders aren’t bad enough and the teams that will get the 1st and 2nd pick in the draft are QB needy teams that will NOT trade the pick. Giants, Bears, Patriots, Broncos.

[@katfish2516]

Sam was failed by his coaches here. He needs too start fresh in Minnesota with Kevin O'Connell! We need too draft a Qb too fit this team. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels let's Gooooooooo 🫡

[@luckylavar9051]

Big Arm, good pocket presence, runs and keeps his eyes downfield, and durable. Idk what else you need. Build a good line and stop trying to throw 30 yards downfield every play without a running game. Both teams in the SB have a great running game with the Best QBs in the league.

[@LOZUPONEJ]

He’s not. QB’s need two years of starts to prove they’re good. How many look great after one season then fall off.

[@Rob-jb7gb]

He was the worst an playing the second half of the year. Just woeful. Glad he’s gone

[@larryjonnson8093]

No, Lmbao, *"the future QB of the Commanders and all other NFL teams is a African American!"* Lmbao, accept, and get ready for it! The Handwriting is on the Wall, and the QB will be *"LaDaniel!"* 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@brianomdahl3682]

Oh myGod; God almighty! .. Mr Johnson if you’re cryptic spelling means (Jayden Daniels) sweet Jesus your Psychic Mr J. call the newsroom. Not to rain on your parade, but I’ve heard of a rumor that there’s a white boy knocking on the Commander’s door by the name of Drake that’s Drake with a Capital D LMWAO

[@larryjonnson8093]

@@brianomdahl3682, Lmbao, the truth has you *"throwing up"* in moments of extreme anger! Lmbao, ......... *"NFL Future = African American Quarterbacks"* ......... 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TitansInsider23_IG]

You should do a Danielle Hunter review