Sam Howell will start the final game of the Washington Commanders’ 2023 season, JP Finlay reported earlier today. He also stated that this will be the first time Washington has had the same quarterback start every game since Kirk Cousins did it in 2017.
Howell started off pretty strong, throwing for 17 touchdowns and 9 interceptions (4 in one game against the Bills) in the first 10 games of the season. Since then, in the next 6 games, he has thrown for 3 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He was benched for Jacoby Brissett in consecutive games and Brissett was even named the starter for last week’s game against the 49ers until a hamstring injury took him out prior to the game.
What looked like a promising season, with Washington possibly finding a long term solution at the quarterback position, quickly turned into talk about what the team will do at QB going forward (possibly through the 2024 NFL Draft). Howell also goes into the final game leading the league in sacks taken, with 61.
The Commanders are playing against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The Cowboys are playing for the division, while many may prefer a Commanders loss to put them in better position for the 2nd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which they’re currently tied for with the New England Patriots.