Sam Howell needs a time out.
The Washington Commanders' quarterback may be the franchise’s future, but he’s rapidly declining. And, every passing week makes it look more likely the team will use its first-rounder on a quarterback if Howell continues on a downward trend.
So, sit Howell against the New York Jets on Sunday. Just like first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes needed a break to freshen earlier this season, Howell’s first full season has him struggling as much as the team around him.
Coach Ron Rivera won’t sit Howell, though. Rivera admitted on Monday if the team had a playoff chance he might switch to backup Jacoby Brissett. But, there’s nothing to gain by doing so now. That is, nothing but give fans some hope rather than watching Howell fizzle out.
While Brissett is not the Commanders’ future passer, especially given he’s a free agent next season, he might steal a win over New York. Then again, that win could cost Washington a chance at a No. 2 or 3 overall selection next spring, so maybe it’s better to let Howell peter out.
Still, this is a slow crawl to obscurity. Three weeks from now, the coaching staff is gone. A 30-player turnover wouldn’t be surprising. It’s crash-and-burn as Washington again loses 10 games, for the 15th time since Joe Gibbs first retired in 1993. The Commanders (4-10) have a fair chance of finishing 4-13, and that demands a total rebuild down to the long snapper.
Now, who knows what the next general manager and coach think of Howell, since they’ve not been hired yet. But, the rate Howell is declining may have the two evaluators fearing the league figured out the passer, so they draft someone else. Howell could be kept as an experienced No. 2 for the final two years of his contract, especially as a Plan B in case the first-rounder doesn’t play well. Happens all the time.
Earlier this season, Howell managed several nice late comebacks. Maybe it’s being sacked 59 times, but Howell now looks tired in fourth quarters. He makes too many poor decisions on the run trying to carry the team himself. It’s understandable given the defense can’t stop anyone and the running game has been largely absent, but Howell tends to throw interceptions when defenses abandon the run and pressure the passer.
Howell can still be the 2024 starter. This season buys him that chance, as well as several years in the NFL as someone’s backup, just like predecessor Taylor Heinicke. But, if Washington decides to take a quarterback in the first round, because nothing sells tickets and hope more than a shiny new quarterback prospect, then Howell’s late decline provides the reasoning to do so.
Howell needs to play well over the final three weeks to keep his job. But given Super Bowl contenders San Francisco and Dallas follow New York, Washington has little chance of winning, or Brissett of reversing his downward spiral.
It won’t be pretty.
