When the Washington Commanders decided to move on from quarterback Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke in favor of Sam Howell the similarities between a divisional rival were almost identical in how sequences could play out.
Just up I-95 in the City of Brotherly Love, the Philadelphia Eagles are benefitting and hope to do so for the foreseeable future with the play of quarterback Jalen Hurts. The former Alabama and Oklahoma star has made himself a household name around the NFL and more importantly, the unquestioned face of the Eagles franchise.
The trajectory of Hurts’ rise to becoming the unquestioned leader of the Eagles not to mention the recipient of the largest contract in Philadelphia history, could be the catalyst and blueprint for Howell and the Commanders.
Like Hurts, Howell was drafted to be a long-term project with no intentions of starting a game during his rookie season. The irony is that both quarterbacks were expected to watch veteran Carson Wentz lead their respective teams. In Washington, it was going to be Wentz or Taylor Heinicke.
Howell’s in-game sample size in the 2022 season finale against the Dallas Cowboys was impressive enough for the Commanders to go into the offseason not feeling the need to draft a QB or bring back Wentz or Heinicke. Howell posted 169 yards on 11 of 19 passing in the Week 18 contest. He threw for a touchdown to Terry McLaurin and also rushed for 35 yards and another touchdown proving he could make plays with both, his arm and his legs.
Hurts left a lasting impression after his rookie campaign despite going 1-3 in the four games he started. There was enough on tape and a feeling within the Eagles locker room that he could be their QB1 for the future. Over those four starts, Hurts produced 1,061 yards through the air to go along with six passing touchdowns and four interceptions. He rushed for an additional 354 yards and three rushing scores.
Those similarities between the two young signal callers are where the Commanders are hoping Howell can follow suit.
Like Hurts, the Commanders would be in a good spot if Howell took another jump in his second and third seasons.
In year two, Hurts and the Eagles made the playoffs with an 8-7-1 record and last year were the best team in the NFC along their way to a Super Bowl appearance. They finished the season 14-3. One of those three losses came at the hands of the Commanders proving that Washington could play high-level football.
Now that Howell is under center, Washington will look to take the leap and become a playoff team after narrowly missing the postseason last year.
If Howell can continue his ascension, Washington could have the quarterback of the future that has dodged them for nearly three decades and also have a contending team for the long-haul. All they have to do is look up the road and see a quick rebuild that worked in less than two seasons.
There is a big difference in the comparisons, however. Washington might have more offensive firepower at Howell’s disposal than Hurts had during his second year. Washington has a new offensive brain trust in Eric Bieniemy and that alone should benefit Howell. Sprinkle in McLaurin and the up-and-coming Jahan Dotson, not to mention Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown, Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson, Logan Thomas, and Cole Turner, the Commanders could be in position this year to strike.
The second year of any player, especially a signal caller proves if they can become steady in the league. This year will be an important learning process for Howell who if he can take Washington to the playoffs, will look a lot like the Eagles and Hurts arrival.