An ESPN article has Sam Howell as one of the top NFL quarterbacks on the hot seat, second on the list right behind Zach Wilson.
And JP Finlay is NOT amused of that first comparison.
“Wilson has 24 starts, a season and a half, and he’s 8-16 with a 55 percent completion rate and a 17 to 22 TD to INT ratio – he’s just never good, and there’s enough of a body of work to suggest that,” JP said. “He’s in his third season, still throwing awful picks and completely unaware of defensive schemes.”
Maybe Wilson needs a change of scenery, but right now, the Jets don’t have any other options, so they can’t bench the former No. 2 pick – and maybe have to wait for Kirk Cousins or someone better than Trevor Siemien.
Still, Zach deserves a hot seat, even if he’s the only one in the room – but Howell right behind him?
JP read ESPN’s write-up, which mentioned Howell being a fifth-rounder (of course) who sat as a rookie and ‘looks every bit the quarterback who has four NFL starts,’ and, yeah, there is some truth in the write-up, but
“Some of this I believe and agree with – like, I think the rate of sacks is not sustainable. He physically ” JP said. “But he’s 23 and has started four NFL games! Because the good has looked so good, in no way should they be considering making a move here. If you get another game like Buffalo against Philly, and then maybe another against Chicago, maybe, but I don’t think the bottom falls out. Sam Howell the person is smart, mature, and savvy enough to handle this.”
JP thinks the Commanders lose in Philly, but the team can perform at a higher level beyond that, based on ‘a million factors’ – including the fact that ‘no one was at their best against Buffalo.’
“A lot of people have to be better, but Sam certainly does. You can’t have the sacks, you can’t have the picks, and you sure as hell can’t have both of them,” JP said. “Maybe I’m crazy or naïve, but I think he’s better than he showed against the Bills. If you’re betting on the upside, you’re betting on Week 18 against the Cowboys and the second half against Denver. Bet on the upside, because I don’t think Howell belongs on the hot seat whatsoever.”