Andrew Buller-Russ
The Washington Commanders made a lot of changes before starting the 2023 season. From new ownership to a new offensive coordinator, and of course, a different starting quarterback, with Sam Howell taking over under center.
A 3-5 start suggests there’s still plenty of room for improvement, and coach Ron Rivera is likely aware of that more than anyone, but there’s reportedly one choice the team’s decision-makers feel they’ve gotten right.
Dianna Russini states, “There is a strong belief in the building that the Commanders have found their franchise quarterback in Sam Howell, and now it’s about building for 2024.”
After trading young pass-rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young, the Commanders have made one thing clear: they’re more focused on competing in the future than they are right away this season. But Washington has put itself in a strong position to improve, boasting five picks in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft and three in the top 50 selections.
- Sam Howell stats this season: 2,146 passing yards (268.3 YPG), 13 TD, 8 INT, 66.9% comp. rate
Now, with their QB position settled, the Commanders can focus on supplying the 23-year-old with more tools to succeed, like a competent offensive line. Howell has been sacked an NFL-high 41 times this season, putting him on pace to set a new NFL record in one season.
Reinforcing the offensive line while adding a tight end to supplant Logan Thomas could go a long way toward the Commanders becoming one of the better offenses in the league, improving upon their 17th-ranked scoring attack. But with so many picks in their arsenal, the Commanders likely feel much better about their chances to improve in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Related: See where Sam Howell lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings
