Has The QB Code Been Cracked? Is Sam Howell The Commanders Future?

14, the number of starting quarterbacks who have led their team for Washington over the past 10 years. Fourteen, the same number on the uniform of current Washington Commanders starting quarterback, Sam Howell. "If you're fortunate enough to find the guy, you ride with him," commented Commanders Head Coach Ron Rivera on the Cris Collinsworth podcast in May of 2021—this was a year before Washington selected North Carolina standout Sam Howell in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While the quarterback position was in flux, experimenting with alternative approaches, Rivera's foresight seems to have been a year ahead of what would eventually become the potential cornerstone of the Commanders' future.

Initially committed to Florida State, it was North Carolina Head Coach Mack Brown who convinced Sam Howell to stay home, setting the stage for his journey to the NFL. Taking the reins as the Tar Heels' starting quarterback from the get-go, Howell quickly garnered national attention, solidifying himself as a potential first-round draft pick. With over 10,000 yards and 92 touchdowns during his tenure as the UNC signal caller, Sam Howell achieved significant success in his three years as a Tar Heel, despite the departure of key supporting players who had surrounded him during his first two seasons. This blend of success and the challenges of shifting circumstances ultimately led to uncertainties, causing Howell to slide out of the first round and into the Commanders' hands, where Ron Rivera would select his quarterback in the 5th round.

"All we f---ing talked about was the quarterback, what the quarterback did, who he was", was the most recent Ron Rivera quote on the quarterback situation in Washington. Rivera would even go on to mention how former Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke would tell his coach to give the rookie in Sam Howell a chance after stating "this guy's got arm talent. I can't throw the ball like he does". As another season of trying to crack the QB code went by, it was almost like the code was written in the palm of Ron Rivera's hands, and by his side would stand Sam Howell, awaiting the first start that would mark the start of his future in Washington.

"Back to throw it for the first time, going over the middle, has McLaurin racing into the endzone... this NFL stuff is easy," were the first words heard nationwide as Sam Howell would deliver a 16-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, kickstarting what would be a 26-6 domination over the Cowboys to close out the 2022 NFL Season with hope for the offensive future in Washington. As Sam Howell shined in his debut, Ron Rivera would head into an offseason of what would bring massive change to the Commanders organization, and there was only one thing on his mind; the quarterback position.

A new offensive staff is paving the road for a fresh offensive future under the leadership of Super Bowl winning offensive coordinator and current Washington Commanders Assistant Head Coach, Eric Bieniemy. Over the past decade, Bieniemy has steadily climbed the coaching ranks of the NFL. He began as the running backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid, and in time, honed an offensive philosophy that set him apart. This journey led him to the role of Offensive Coordinator for one of the NFL's most formidable offenses over the last five years. With his previous success in developing a dominant offensive philosophy, he also brings experience in developing star studded NFL quarterbacks like we've seen with Patrick Mahomes, and when talking about the future of Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders offense, be sure to look in the direction of Eric Bieniemy and this offensive staff.

As the Washington Commanders gear up for a sold-out season opener against Arizona, the new ownership duo of Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales has their sights set on adding excitement to this new era. Lighting the fuse for these fireworks will be the enthusiastic Eric Bieniemy, who is eager to leave his mark on this fresh journey. Alongside him stands a humble yet hungry Sam Howell, patiently waiting for his opportunity in the NFL. While there's room for growth within this offensive unit, boasting a core of talented weapons and an offensive line that's on the rise, the undefeated preseason may have offered only a tantalizing preview of what lies ahead for the Commanders this season.

The 'QB Code' has been the elusive quest of the Washington Commanders over the past few seasons. While the question of whether Ron Rivera can decipher this code still lingers, the upcoming season appears to hold the potential formula, one that may have been written in the palm of his hand just a few years ago. Sam Howell possesses all the tools necessary for a successful NFL career, and mastering the intricacies of an Eric Bieniemy offense might just be the catalyst to establish him as the future cornerstone of the Washington Commanders. As the 14th starting quarterback to step onto the field for Washington, number fourteen is poised for a season that will be etched in the memories of many for years to come. While Sam Howell may not be gifted the label of the future, he is destined to earn it.