Every great player starts at some point a newbie. While some have it all their way from onset, some struggle and make their careers legendary with time. The Washington Commanders‘ transition into the Sam Howell era is almost complete.
The Arizona Cardinals are Howell’s first obstacle. Many people are unclear of what to anticipate from Howell. The offence of Eric Bieniemy, considering his inexperience.
Expectations of Tavita Pritchard from Sam Howell
Tavita Pritchard, the quarterbacks coach, is very clear about what he expects from Howell in only his second regular-season start. He said according to SI ,
“I want him to run the offense,”
“I think he’s put in so much work, just learning this system, getting in and out of the huddle, tempo at the line of scrimmage, and then executing what we do. I think our guys do a great job of creating great habits in practice, just playing fast and operating at a high level.
“So, that’s what I’m looking for from Sam is to keep that MO of just tempo, getting up there. We talk a lot about being on schedule as quarterbacks, whether it’s in the passing game and our progressions and things like that. So, for him, it’s being on schedule throughout the game.”
Development of Sam Howell as an overall player
According to his coaching staff of Commanders , Sam has shown marked improvements as a player learning Bieniemy’s offense as well . All the little details of Bieniemy’s offensive nuances were meant to be picked up at Pre Season which is ideal to iron out flaws and get up to speed on fitness.
Pritchard feels Howell’s biggest USP this season has been learning about Bieniemy’s tactics in its entirety and imbibing it fully in his gameplay.
“When you install an offense for the first time, it’s hard to say anything but learning the offense,” “I mean, I think that’s just where my brain goes immediately is just picking up the system, the verbiage, calling plays. I think that’s such an integral part of your introduction into any offense. So that’s what I’d say, that’s where he is made the biggest stride.”
Even while Howell performed admirably during training camp and in his two preseason games, those efforts are now mostly irrelevant. Week 1 is almost here, and Howell’s performance against the Cardinals on Sunday will reveal the actual extent of his development.
With all the good vibes surrounding the team this offseason, the Commanders need a winning start more than anything. Prepare for the start of the Howell era to be explosive.
