Sam Howell sparking excitement in D.C.; Commanders QB a fantasy dark horse
There is some excitement in the land of the Commanders and that excitement goes by the name of Sam Howell.
In being named the QB1, Washington head coach Ron Rivera believes he has the answer at quarterback in the 2022 fifth-round pick out of the University of North Carolina.
Coming into the league initially projected as a second-round pick, Howell has demonstrated the confidence and command of the offense that makes him a young quarterback worth watching in 2023, especially with some of the playmakers he has in that offense, including exciting young receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
Sam Howell is the QB 1 and has the Commanders drooling with excitement
As a team not talked about much in the NFC East, Rivera at least feels like he finally has his answer at the quarterback position, a player the coaching staff and players believe in.
"“I think there’s not that question mark still, you know what I’m saying?” Rivera said, via the team website. “For three seasons, I’ve always felt that I had a question mark and now it feels like, ‘OK, this is pretty good.’ I mean, I’m pretty comfortable, pretty confident and I look forward to seeing it. I really do.”"
As a quarterback with pocket presence, along with an ability to take off with his feet, Sam Howell is a player who could prove to be a huge value for a Commanders team looking for a spark. With the big arm that he has, it very well could lead to an explosive offensive connection to that McLaurin, Dotson duo who are primed for big years. As a fantasy owner, you may want to think about Howell in your drafts.
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Speaking of McLaurin, who will fill up the fantasy numbers himself, the Commanders star receiver is confidence in his signal caller and feels a connection ready to take off in 2023.
"“As we’ve gone over the course of this offseason, we’ve thrown together, we’ve gotten some reps out here,” McLaurin said back in early August. “I think one thing that strikes me with him is we have a nuanced connection.”"
What excites the fifth-year receiver the most is that he feels the communication is strong and Howell will give guys a chance to make plays down the field. That’s where that explosive arm comes in and the confidence Sam Howell displays in commanding the offense.
Now, McLaurin’s toe injury suffered in the team’s preseason win over the Baltimore Ravens serves some concern, but with the injury not considered series, Howell should have his prime playmaker available. Also, with Eric Bieniemy now calling the plays, Howell will be in a position where he can take a big leap in his second season in the NFL.
This is where the fantasy value lays as analyst Andy Behrens of Yahoo! Sports highlights:
"“He’s an ideal deep-league stash and a Superflex priority. Howell has the rushing upside that should elevate him above the rest of the fourth- and fifth-tier fantasy options at his position. He ran for 828 yards and 11 scores in his final collegiate season, so he’s a fully accredited member of the dual-threat club.”"
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In all, big arm, strong legs, toughness, confidence…Sam Howell has all the tools to be special in D.C. The Commanders may finally have their quarterback and depending on your fantasy league, so could you.